The Free Democratic Movement’s latest op-ed is a concerted, desperate effort to avoid the party being classified as right-wing. That is understandable considering how repugnant that philosophy is to many of us based on its tendency to attract White supremacists, misogynists, incels, and those who oppose social programmes for the poor and seniors.

Yet as the FDM tries to run from being branded right-wing, some of their policy positions, public statements, and key figures undermine their notion that they transcend the political spectrum. In fact, much of what they propose mirrors far-right, libertarian ideas, with troubling implications for the average Bermudian.

Let us not forget that FDM’s founder, Marc Bean, has consistently expressed admiration for right-wing figures like Thomas Sowell and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis. Both individuals champion small government, deregulation, and conservative social policies — principles that are very much right-wing in nature.

Both also have made statements that have been highly negative about the Black community in America. Mr Bean’s ideological foundation is not a mystery; he has repeatedly told us in speeches, Facebook posts and across the community what he believes.

He's spoken of snatching away economic empowerment zones designed to level the playing field and improve communities such as North Hamilton and giving those benefits to everyone, including the wealthy and privileged, a position shared by Michael Dunkley, the One Bermuda Alliance’s former Premier.

He's spoken of his scepticism surrounding trade unions and preference for policies that empower the business community.

He's promoted a radical, reckless immigration plan that would explore providing citizenship at birth to anyone born in Bermuda.

To be clear, the founder of the FDM has repeatedly and proudly aligned himself with far-right principles that many of us find bizarre and of little relevance to our real, lived experiences.

The FDM also proudly promotes vague, poorly thought-out policies, including:

• Vague promises of cutting waste without explaining how essential services and government operations would continue to function efficiently.

• “Voluntary reductions” in government jobs. How? Who? In what departments or Ministries?

The FDM does not have a plan. It has a right-wing wish list that threatens the livelihood and job security of countless government workers at worst and lacks the specificity needed to inspire confidence that they can responsibly manage Bermuda’s economy at best.

Finally, their critique of deficit spending fails to acknowledge that this government has navigated through an unprecedented crisis, including a global pandemic and global inflation, while still prioritising the wellbeing of Bermudians.

If we had taken the FDM’s rigid right-wing approach, there would have been no emergency relief for workers displaced by Covid, leaving Bermudian families to starve.

If we had taken the OBA’s rigid right-wing approach, we would not have slashed payroll tax for the working and middle classes or shifted the tax burden towards the wealthy and privileged, who could easily pay their fair share.

Clearly, the FDM’s right-wing approach risks deepening inequality and putting more pressure on struggling families.

While the FDM may try to run, duck, and dodge from their beliefs, there is one thing that they cannot run from. As an organisation, they have been invisible in the political arena for four years.

• No advocacy on behalf of their constituents by their defeated candidates in four years

• No canvassing or outreach to the constituents of their defeated candidates in four years

• No events for our seniors or youth in four years

• No community clean-up days in four years

• No involvement in addressing and recovering from the Covid-19 pandemic

• No involvement in the school reform process

The FDM has been absent from the national conversation and the real struggles of our people for four years.

To re-emerge with a flurry of activity on the eve of an election demonstrates that as an organisation they are not serious and lack commitment.

In conclusion, the FDM’s attempt to cast themselves as above or beyond traditional political categories is misleading. Their alignment with right-wing ideologies is clear, their immigration policies are dangerous, and their absence since 2020 speaks volumes.

Bermudians deserve leaders who show up not just during election season, but every day, working to improve lives and safeguard our future. The Progressive Labour Party remains committed to that vision.

• Walter Roban is the Deputy Premier, Minister of Home Affairs and MP for Constituency 15, Pembroke East