As deputy leader of Partit Demokratiku, Dr. Buttigieg made clear he was against the "us vs them" mentality of Maltese tribal politics.
[4] Upon assuming the leadership, he explained in an interview that he wanted the Democratic Party to be a band of concerned citizens, and for Maltese politics to move beyond partisan cults of personality.
[6] Dr. Buttigieg spoke out against the government's economic model, making the rich richer and failing to distribute wealth beyond cronyism.
[8][9] Along with deputy leader Timothy Alden he met with representatives of Maltese NGOs, including Din l-Art Ħelwa and Flimkien għal Ambjent Aħjar to pledge support to the Wirtna declaration.
[12] Deciding to prioritise the upcoming European Parliament election, 2019, while balancing his other personal responsibilities, and believing it to be in the interests of the Democratic Party, Dr. Buttigieg announced that he would be stepping down from the leadership.