Malta’s Third Party Hero Cami Appelgren Steps Away From Politics: ‘Time For A New Path In Life’
Environmentalist Cami Appelgren has announced she has stepped away from politics to focus on activism, a month after performing remarkably well in her debut election.
“Going into politics is something I will never regret,” Appelgren said. “It was an amazing journey even though it finished with a rough couple of days which overturned my life which I’m still recovering from.”
“I am forever that activist among politicians, my soul didn’t change. I wish to highlight that the word ‘politician’ in Malta is way too narrow. It’s not about being in a party, it’s about being part of your society. Every single person wanting to better their surroundings and willing to speak up about it are political. And that is a good thing!”
Appelgren contested last month’s European Parliament election with Partit Demokratiku, winning 3,053 votes on the first count and 5,154 once the votes had been transferred.
Despite not being Maltese and not having spent a cent on her campaign, she outperformed several mainstream candidates, including her own party leader Godfrey Farrugia.
Her decision not to contest any new position within the PD will come as a massive blow to the ‘Orange Party’, which is seeking its fourth leader in three years after Farrugia resigned the leadership.
Appelgren said she will continue supporting the PD, arguing that Malta needs third parties and healthy competition.
The environmental activist, who set up Malta Clean-Up in 2012, also announced that she will take a step back from scheduled clean-ups now that many other people and NGOs are keeping them up.
Instead, she said she will focus on empowering people to be the change they want to see, on raising environmental awareness and on challenging the wrongdoing in society.
“Because the above is not something I’ve ever done for a profit, but that is who I am,” she said. “It’s not something I could ever stop doing.”
“In the next couple of months you might see me less active online; in forums, a bit slower answering time on messages and so on.”
“But rest assured that my fight continues. It’s just time for me to care about ‘me’ for while – to reconnect, get stronger and then let’s see what this path brings along.”
“Big thank you to everyone who has supported me during these years and to the ones who will still be around. Also a big thank you to the people for being the change you wish to see.”
“Never underestimate the small changes. By time, and when multiplied, they have a massive impact.”