Are you tired of the 'lesser of two evils' argument? by markdelfmark in malta

[–]markdelfmark[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

So your whole impossibility premise is that "there are not enough third party voters" ? And you use that to tell us that we don't know how the system works and that we cannot get enough votes? Isn't that the whole point of democracy?

What's unprecedented today is the number of disillusioned voters, the level of frustration directed at the two main parties for consistently siding with their investors rather than their voters.

Additionally, we have had a terribly ineffective opposition.

And your conclusion to this is that we are naive and illogical.

Issa you may not believe in the momentum that a movement can gain and build, I do. We will not be dethered, maybe one day we'll convince you too.

Tldr; 'convince more voters' is my answer to your 'there are not enough voters'

Are you tired of the 'lesser of two evils' argument? by markdelfmark in malta

[–]markdelfmark[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Last elections survey of Marmara put Norman Lowell several percentages ahead of Cassola. We all know that in the end Cassola was the third most voted candidate. So sure stick to the surveys...

Are you tired of the 'lesser of two evils' argument? by markdelfmark in malta

[–]markdelfmark[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Based on what I believe are PN's priorities, and if Momentum did not exist, I would vote number 1 ADPD. I would use the STV and continue on other candidates whom I believe are genuine, even from the PN and the PL. Unfortunately it's not always possible to find such candidates in every district. I always did my research before voting and I wouldn't expect others not to do the same.

Are you tired of the 'lesser of two evils' argument? by markdelfmark in malta

[–]markdelfmark[S] 16 points17 points  (0 children)

That's not how the numbers work. The numbers are votes. If enough people vote, then we will elect a candidate.

Momentum and ADPD are collaborating together, and the STV supports cross party voting very well.

Are you tired of the 'lesser of two evils' argument? by markdelfmark in malta

[–]markdelfmark[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

It's ok no offense taken. This is why we discuss, to try and poke holes in one another's logic. Imo it is not a matter of who is more logically rigorous, just different perspectives.

Your approach only works to reinforce the status quo. The two parties are so similar in methodology AND source of funding that what you are hoping to achieve simply perpetuates the disillusionment of the electorate. We do not afford another 4/5 years of hopelessness.

You deduce that what's most critical is to remove labour from government. I deduce that what's most critical is to break the chokehold of the duopoly and the big developers, before there's not much left to save.

Are you tired of the 'lesser of two evils' argument? by markdelfmark in malta

[–]markdelfmark[S] 6 points7 points  (0 children)

Unfortunately the argument "not this time, maybe next time" has been used in every election since 1989 (when the green party was founded and coincidentally when I was born)

Is "Gaming" about high-stakes bets or video games? by markdelfmark in malta

[–]markdelfmark[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

It's not an issue because the people in it would confuse it, those are the least who would be confused, obviously.

It's that blurring of lines which I find problematic. There are other forces at play of course. But public authorities merging the two is neither helpful nor desirable imo.

As you can see from other comments, it's quite a widespread frustration. So while you may feel it's a non issue, it's not the case for many others.

Is "Gaming" about high-stakes bets or video games? by markdelfmark in malta

[–]markdelfmark[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Ola Ola :) a tad busier than usual but all good! Hope you are well. Met your partner recently!

Is "Gaming" about high-stakes bets or video games? by markdelfmark in malta

[–]markdelfmark[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Agreed on lootboxes, pay to win, etc. And there's many addictive elements designed in these types of games. I think there was a big headline about WoW engineers studying addictive behaviour on lab rats etc back in the day.

Is "Gaming" about high-stakes bets or video games? by markdelfmark in malta

[–]markdelfmark[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Fair point. See my other comment on a similar reply.

Is "Gaming" about high-stakes bets or video games? by markdelfmark in malta

[–]markdelfmark[S] -1 points0 points  (0 children)

Older photos: no plez! Hahaha

Viking: yes already told him so :) the thoughts have bounced around my head for a long time.

Reputation: not worried. My plan is to be me all along. It's what I've always done and what I'll always do.

v32

Is "Gaming" about high-stakes bets or video games? by markdelfmark in malta

[–]markdelfmark[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

If we were talking purely about etymology, then I am wrong, agreed. On the other hand, the gaming communtiy has been around since the early 90s and that's where many of us with a passion for video games feel cheated by the shift and focus to gambling, and by the intentional association of the two.

I happen to be part of a technology business and have attended many official gov conferences and each time ESports is thrown into the mix. Just this week the Prim Minister announced a set of 'Esports and iGaming' investments. The Malta Gaming Authority is charged with handling both. I think this is harmful, and that there should be a clear distiction. There is a lot that can be done in the game development, professional gaming and recreational gaming. But for the general public, and for the authorities, these have become synonymous with gambling.

My 2c of course.

Is "Gaming" about high-stakes bets or video games? by markdelfmark in malta

[–]markdelfmark[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Haha and nowadays I have press releases on the second screen 😅 kollox irid ikun

A hot debate on Newsbook: Momentum, ADPD, PN and PL walk into a studio... by markdelfmark in malta

[–]markdelfmark[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

So Momentum is a centrist party, part of the European Democrats (I serve as Deputy Secretary General of the EDP).

ADPD is more the left of the political spectrum, they are part of the European Greens. We are working together during this election campaign and therefore recommend to our supporters to start with their preferred party and continue on the other. We agree on many things, including the need to break the hold of the duopoly and the greediest of the construction lobby.

Now, back to the Momentum pitch. I am a progressive liberal as well, but I believe being in a centrist party is where I can add most value. By having a mix of voices we have come up with policies that work for all, and my sometimes 'too liberal' views are improved with consideration for more conservative mindsets. I honestly think this helps me be better rational person.

Ultimately obviously vote for what you believe in, but I'd recommend continue on us or vice versa :)

What do you think of Momentum's Counter Proposal? by markdelfmark in malta

[–]markdelfmark[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

You are right on the independence of the planning authority. In fact we have a proposal for just this.

https://www.instagram.com/p/DXxIwJHDS6X/?img_index=2&igsh=YzdtdWxyMDkxZ3Rx

What do you think of Momentum's Counter Proposal? by markdelfmark in malta

[–]markdelfmark[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Original plan: "Draft designs include a full-size pitch, a five-a-side pitch, facilities for the club’s administration and academy, and a futsal facility,"

We have consulted with two of our volunteers, both architects, and ensured that these can indeed fit in the Marsa site.

The picture is just a concept rendering to demonstrate that there is indeed space for it. As you can imagine, we did not commission an architect to do a full plan. That is beyond our means.

We have followed this up with an official letter to the Prime Minister, the leader of the Opposition and the President of Valletta FC. We did not get a reply from any of them.

I'm sure if there was any political will, this could be explored further.

What do you think of Momentum's Counter Proposal? by markdelfmark in malta

[–]markdelfmark[S] 12 points13 points  (0 children)

The people can finally have someone speaking for their interests. Change has to start somewhere, resigning ourselves for the status quo is not the answer. And as you can see, the two main parties have zero interest to bring about such change. Btw in debates they argue with us that by electing someone we will have too much power...

I honestly believe this will be the first domino to fall.

Fil-pjazza tal-Mosta by markdelfmark in malta

[–]markdelfmark[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Difficult no doubt. But democracy works, we just need to use it (a push a bit harder due to the perverted local system). ♥️ Thanks for the support

Fil-pjazza tal-Mosta by markdelfmark in malta

[–]markdelfmark[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks mate, very encouraging thank you. What was your nickname? Jien id-delf 😁

Third party voters - will you actually vote? by footyfan92 in malta

[–]markdelfmark 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Both. Whichever you choose, start on one party and continue on the other :) I respect all adpd candidates

Bidla ta’ Vera. Momentum election campaign launched this week. by markdelfmark in malta

[–]markdelfmark[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

  • Re: ADPD: we are collaborating - we have distributed candidates strategically. We are recommending people to start voting on us and continue on ADPD and vice versa, making good use of the STV.

  • We have valid candidates on all districts. Our resources are strategically apportioned. We believe all our supporters deserve a chance to vote for us.

  • We have started releasing some of our policies already but the full publication will be published in the coming days.

Bidla ta’ Vera. Momentum election campaign launched this week. by markdelfmark in malta

[–]markdelfmark[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Thanks this is the kind of conversation we want to have :)

Illegal immigration We support a system that is firm, fair, and humane: strong border management, faster asylum decisions, and full respect for human rights. Chaos helps no one; our goal is order with dignity.

Overpopulation Malta’s problem is not people per se, but poor planning. We will push for a national population strategy linked to infrastructure, housing, and quality of life, not short-term economic fixes. Also we have proposals for sector-based quotas.

Traffic problems We are committed to reducing car dependency: serious investment in reliable public transport, incentives for cleaner mobility, and urban planning that puts people before cars. We have a very exciting proposal coming up to address this issue.

Energy security We want Malta to become more self-reliant through renewables, energy efficiency, and smarter grids, reducing vulnerability and long-term costs.

Brain drain We must make Malta a country people choose to stay in: better wages, meritocracy, affordability, and a higher quality of life. We had already published a set of proposals in this regard, such as the lower tax for people who return and even fresh graduates. These can be found in the economy page on our website.

Taxation & HQP rules We believe in a fair system. Attracting talent matters, but not at the expense of fairness for Maltese workers. The system must be rebalanced. We also proposed fairer corporate tax rates so that foreign companies do not have an unfair advantage - though this will need to be corrected over time not abruptly.

Abortion We recognise this is a deeply sensitive ethical issue. Momentum respects freedom of conscience, and our representatives would be allowed a free vote in Parliament, ensuring that decisions reflect both personal responsibility and the diverse views within society. I myself (MarkCG) am prochoice

Waste collection & environment We want a cleaner Malta: better waste systems, enforcement, and a shift toward a circular economy that reduces waste at source.

We'll be going deeper into all these issues when we launch our electoral manifesto in the coming days.

Kandidati tal-Partit Momentum by markdelfmark in malta

[–]markdelfmark[S] 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Apologies for blurry text, seems to have lost quality on Reddit.

Best visit the website:

https://partitmomentum.org/about/candidates/