The Progressive Democratic Party (PDP) was a

liberal conservative Liberal conservatism is a political ideology combining conservative policies with liberal stances, especially on economic issues but also on social and ethical matters, representing a brand of political conservatism strongly influenced by li ...

political party A political party is an organization that coordinates candidates to compete in a particular country's elections. It is common for the members of a party to hold similar ideas about politics, and parties may promote specific political ideology ...

from

Gibraltar ) , anthem = " God Save the King" , song = " Gibraltar Anthem" , image_map = Gibraltar location in Europe.svg , map_alt = Location of Gibraltar in Europe , map_caption = United Kingdom shown in pale green , mapsize = , image_map2 = Gib ...

. The party was the third political party and the only party to sit on the centre-right in

. Despite poor election results, it garnered growing support from the public and was seen as the 'alternative opposition'. The PDP was the only party campaigning for "a Gibraltar freely associated to the United Kingdom" and envisaged "a journey through the recognition of our right to independence". The party was also the only political party in Gibraltar that openly committed to implementing a means testing system in government housing. The PDP described itself as "the only real choice for an alternative, authentic, centrist government which has vision, is progressive and is in tune with the aspirations of Gibraltarians for stable and moderate liberal politics."

History

The party was co-founded by Gibraltarian lawyers

Keith Azopardi Keith Azopardi (born 6 June 1967) is a Gibraltarian lawyer and politician serving as Leader of the Opposition and Leader of the Gibraltar Social Democrats since 2017. He was born in Gibraltar on 6 June 1967 and was called to the Bars of Eng ...

and Nick Cruz among other members in June 2006. The PDP has been described as a splinter group of the

Gibraltar Social Democrats The Gibraltar Social Democrats (GSD) is a liberal-conservative, centre-right political party in Gibraltar. The GSD was the governing party for four successive terms in office under the leadership of Peter Caruana, from the 1996 general electi ...

. This is because Azopardi and Cruz were both leading figures in the GSD who resigned due to disillusionment with the GSD party following a merger with the

Gibraltar Labour Party The Gibraltar Labour Party was a political party in Gibraltar. They described themselves as a progressive socialist organisation and stated that their formation was prompted by the need for a strong opposition to the government. They were foun ...

. Marie-Lou Guerrero and Leo Olivero left the party in November 2006 in opposition to the party's "''yes''" stance on the

referendum A referendum (plural: referendums or less commonly referenda) is a direct vote by the electorate on a proposal, law, or political issue. This is in contrast to an issue being voted on by a representative. This may result in the adoption of a ...

on Gibraltar's new constitution. The Party decided to support the constitution despite reservations "because it represented a massive leap forward from the 1969 constitution and because it put us in a much better position to then take the next steps." On 6 June 2012, Keith Azopardi stepped down as leader of the PDP. At an AGM on 3 December 2012, Azopardi was elected as Party Chairman and Nick Cruz as Party Leader. On 22 July, the executive committee met and decided, by overwhelming majority, to call it a day. A press release issued on 30 July 2013 confirmed that the party would be "wound up" with effect as from 31 August 2013. An EGM (Extraordinary General Meeting) will be held to pass the resolution and party funds will be donated to charity.

Policy

The Progressive Democratic Party declared that it was founded on several basic pillars; * A fundamental belief and respect for democracy, social justice and equality; * Adherence to the inalienable and unqualified right to self-determination of the people of Gibraltar; * The promotion of liberty, social and economic responsibility; * The enhancement of individual and collective freedoms; * A belief in fair, open and continually accountable government; * The desire to foster sustainable development, public participation and the enhancement of the quality of life of the people of Gibraltar

Election results

Parliament of Gibraltar The Gibraltar Parliament is the legislature of the British overseas territory of Gibraltar. Between 1969 and 2006, it was called the Gibraltar House of Assembly. Functions The House of Assembly, set up under the 1969 constitution, was a uni ...

European Parliament The European Parliament (EP) is one of the legislative bodies of the European Union and one of its seven institutions. Together with the Council of the European Union (known as the Council and informally as the Council of Ministers), it adopts ...

Gibraltar was part of the South West England constituency in the European parliament and its major parties formed joint ticket alliances with the major UK parties. The PDP did not form an alliance for the

2009 elections The following elections occurred in the year 2009. * Electoral calendar 2009 * 2009 United Nations Security Council election Caribbean * 2009 Antiguan general election * 2009 Aruban general election * 2009 Caymanian constitutional referendu ...

and did not stand any candidates.

References

External links

Progressive Democratic Party (official website)

Gibraltar News Online Article - Azopardi launches new party
{{Gibraltar topics Defunct political parties in Gibraltar Political parties established in 2006 2006 establishments in Gibraltar Conservative parties in British Overseas Territories