Watch: ‘We’re At The Crossroads Of Making History’ – Arnold Cassola
Independent MEP candidate Arnold Cassola believes he is at the crossroads of making history as the first-ever independent Maltese candidate to get elected to the European Parliament.
Cassola has witnessed a late surge in the polls and, during a campaign event at Marlene Farrugia’s house last night, he spoke to Lovin Malta about his chances.
“Throughout this campaign, I have felt a crescendo of people who approached me, stopped me in the street, and continuously messaged me,” he said.
“A month ago, there was an explosion of people who wanted to help, including professionals in marketing, design, cinematography and all kinds of spheres. It can’t be that everyone is bluffing, so it confirmed to me that the wave I wasn’t feeling wasn’t in my mind but something tangible.”
View this post on Instagram
“I hope it hasn’t stopped yet, even in the few days left, despite certain scaremongering.”
Cassola had harsh words for Opposition Leader Bernard Grech and other PN exponents, who have repeatedly warned that a vote for an independent candidate would only strengthen the Labour Party.
“A vote for Arnold Cassola is a vote for Arnold Cassola, not a vote for Robert Abela. These tactics were used 25 years ago, and it exposes the PN’s fear at the rise of independents in the polls.”
He said that PL exponents have started using this same tactic, warning supporters that “Cassola is aligned with PN”.
“It’s a lie intended to deceive people. We have a single transferable vote system, but they are treating people as though they don’t understand the rules and are trying to scare them. Eddie Fenech Adami played this same game 20 years ago and he could get away with it because he had a certain stature as the Prime Minister who brought us out of the ugly 80s and into the EU.”
“Bernard Grech and his friends don’t have that same stature and people are savvier these days and won’t be scared… they are comparing 23 years of PN with 11 years of PL.”
“We are at the crossroads of a historic moment. Usually, third parties and independents only get 1%, but polls show that we have 10% combined which is a historic moment for independent Malta.”
Cassola said he has no intention of vanishing from the political scene if he doesn’t get elected this weekend.
“Unless I suddenly die or get hit by something age-related, I don’t see why I cannot continue. Life impacts you and if people remain quiet, you won’t succeed and will give more power to the bullies and arrogant people.”
“I hope I will die with Facebook in my hands and that I will be buried with it in.”
This action was co-financed by the European Union in the frame of the European Parliament’s grant programme in the field of communication. The European Parliament was not involved in its preparation and is, in no case, responsible for or bound by the information or opinions expressed in the context of this action. In accordance with applicable law, the authors, interviewed people, publishers or programme broadcasters are solely responsible. The European Parliament can also not be held liable for direct or indirect damage that may result from the implementation of the action.
Cover photo: Blur Studios