Opposition Leader's National Day message highlights need for change at political level

GSD Leader, Keith Azopardi has spoken of the need for change at a political level, saying his party will be working hard in the months ahead to ensure that when that moment comes It can deliver what the people need.

National Day, he says, is a day of reflection of the past and of hope for the future.

In his National day message, Keith Azopardi says dressing in red and white is not just about identity but about collective free expression of our will and our rights. He adds it’s a statement of intent for the future as well as a reaffirmation of generations past.

The Opposition Leader believes the day is also a moment to think of those in our community who need a better future; a time to look ahead with hope and expectation to the Gibraltar we can create.

But, he adds, looking back, there’s no hiding that the last 12 months have seen a string of political and economic issues that have rocked Gibraltar. These, he believes, emphasise the urgency of acting decisively in numbers at the next election. Mr Azopardi believes there’s a growing clamour for change and asks Gibraltar to speak loudly with its vote.

He points out it’s the first National Day since the conclusion of the EU Treaty. A treaty, which he believes is far from perfect and underpinned by a Concordat with the UK that the GSD considers falls short of expectations.

Nevertheless he says, a GSD Government would work hard to make this Treaty work and to maximise the opportunities it brings with it.

He claims it would also bring with it a clear plan for the future which he does not believe the GSLP has, despite having had time to prepare.

And, he warns support for Mr Picardo's successor would only deliver more of the same.

On behalf of his colleagues, familes and himself, the Opposition Leader wishes everyone a happy National Day.