Arnold Cassola pitched for the political centre at the recent Congress of the Party of European Democrats in Brussels, where he highlighted progress in Malta towards forming a new centrist political party. Cassola shared that people from various political backgrounds were uniting around a party that focuses on social and environmental issues.

Cassola emphasized the need to enhance social protection for all Europeans and supported the European Green Deal, stressing the urgency of addressing climate change. “We must strive to secure a high quality of life for us and future generations,” he said. He also called for a stronger European Union that can stand on equal footing with global powers like the US, China, and Russia.

Founded in 2004 by Romano Prodi, François Bayrou, and Francesco Rutelli, the Party of European Democrats has 10 MEPs and 22 member parties across Europe. Cassola, who contested the European Parliament elections last June and garnered nearly 13,000 votes, has been working on building the new party through Vision Circles.

His political initiative gained attention last month when he called for the removal of Tourism Minister Clayton Bartolo and Gozo Minister Clint Camilleri after an ethics report found they misused their power.

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Prime Minister Robert Abela and Minister for Social and Affordable Housing Roderick Galdes inaugurated Dar il-Qawsalla, a new residence dedicated to helping LGBTIQ+ individuals facing homelessness and socio-economic difficulties. The home, managed by The Malta LGBTIQ Rights Movement (MGRM), will provide shelter for up to two years, offering a safe space for residents while alleviating pressure on the Housing Authority.

During the inauguration, Prime Minister Abela highlighted the government’s ongoing commitment to social inclusion and addressing the challenges faced by vulnerable communities. He stressed that the government’s work in civil rights reforms continues with initiatives like Dar il-Qawsalla, which responds to new social realities.

Minister Galdes spoke about the holistic approach to housing, with this project supported by the Housing Development Fund in collaboration with MGRM. He emphasized the importance of non-governmental partnerships in expanding social services.

Residents will receive social work and therapeutic support, provided free of charge by Rainbow Support Services, to help them rebuild their lives, reconnect with loved ones, and transition to independent living.

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