Democratic Nationalist Party (Malta, 1959–1966)
The Democratic Nationalist Party (DNP) was a political party in Malta between 1959 and 1966.
Democratic Nationalist Party | |
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Leader | Herbert Ganado |
Founder | Herbert Ganado |
Founded | 1959 |
Dissolved | 1966 |
Split from | Nationalist Party |
Ideology | Christian democracy Political Catholicism |
Political position | Right-wing |
Religion | Roman Catholicism |
History
editThe DNP was established in 1959 by Herbert Ganado as a breakaway from the Nationalist Party.[1] Its opposition to the Labour Party helped it win four seats in the 1962 elections. However, it lost its parliamentary representation in the 1966 elections and was subsequently disbanded.[2]
Ideology
editThe party was more progressive than the Nationalist Party, and sought a return to responsible government,[1] which had been revoked in 1959. Whilst the NP refused to co-operate with the British authorities, the DNP supported co-operation in order to achieve economic development that would ultimately lead to independence as a dominion.[1][2]
The party also had a manifesto committing to social welfare.[2]