News • 13 July 2003

Vella embittered with Sant’s flushing tactics

The search for election-defeat scapegoats in the Labour Party has created a schism between leader Alfred Sant and his erstwhile former deputy, George Vella.

Party delegates describe Vella as an embittered man, upset by the way he was treated when the party’s post-election portfolios were assigned. MaltaToday was told that to say George Vella was deeply offended for not being assigned the European affairs portfolio, was an "understatement." He made his views known to Alfred Sant in more ways than one and the two men only speak to each other if they have to.

The list of close aides who have been ‘flushed’ by Alfred Sant has grown and includes Manwel Cuschieri, Jimmy Magro and George Vella.

The Zejtun politician is embittered for being made to shoulder the responsibility for Labour’s failed European policy on his own. The partnership option championed by Vella is widely acknowledged as having cost the party the election.

Yet it can hardly be said that the knowledgeable Vella was solely responsible. Alfred Sant was as convinced of the party’s anti-membership stand and still oozes antipathy towards EU membership in his writings.

Following defeat at the polls, Vella did not contest the deputy leadership, unlike his former master who first decided ‘no’ then ‘yes.’

Dr Vella’s decision to bow out was hailed as gentlemanly by many on both sides of the divide. During the general conference that decided the party leadership issue, Vella was given a standing ovation by party delegates after a delagate proposed a resolution to thank him for his service.

However, by not assigning the Zejtun doctor the newly concocted European affairs portfolio the Labour Party effectively sealed his fate as the person solely responsible for defeat.

The former deputy leader’s amazing portfolio title now reads: Consultant to the Leader of the Opposition and veteran Labour delegate to the European Parliament.

In simple words the post carries no specific responsibilities.

It seems that Sant has lost the iron grip he had on the party. The loss by Sant, of Vella’s unconditional support is being interpreted by reformers as crucial for the momentum of change to continue in the party.

Related articles:

‘Sant dispels rumours he’s stepping down’