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Electoral Playbook: Pruning the Fearne
Fearne sticks by his decision to step down as deputy prime minister – here’s day 10 of the election campaign
11 May 2024, 6:30am
Nicole Meilak
Nicole Meilak
2 min read
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on the 2024 elections
Reconsidering resignations: In trying times, I want someone to write letters to me the way Robert Abela writes to Chris Fearne. The deputy prime minister wrote to the prime minister on Friday to tender his resignation from cabinet and to withdraw his nomination for European Commissioner. But just over half an hour later, the Prime Minister wrote back to him asking that he reconsider his decision. “In the country’s most trying moments, I not only found a shoulder to lean on but the country benefited greatly from your abilities”. So poetic!
Resignation reactions: So how did our MEP candidates react to the news? It’s a bit of a mixed bag. Labour candidates Claudette Abela Baldacchino and Alex Agius Saliba supported the Prime Minister’s decision in asking Fearne to reconsider his decision. Nationalist candidate David Casa said Fearne did what was best by putting the national interest above his own personal interest. Peter Agius suggested Abela wants to bring everyone down with him and the “corrupt prime minister”, referring to Joseph Muscat. ADPD candidate Sandra Gauci said Fearne did the right thing, and that someone like Abela wouldn’t understand this.
4-2?: Outgoing Labour MEP Alfred Sant posted on Facebook today saying that he is hoping for a 4-2 result in the European election this year. Obviously not four for the PN and two for Labour. Sant is saying that the PN representatives are more focused on criticising the Maltese government than on promoting national interests in the European forum. This was immediately criticised by Peter Agius, also on Facebook. “Alfred Sant wants four seats… to warm them up and cover up for corruption. No thank you!”
Candidate-watch: A bunch of MEPs were at a KNŻ-hosted debate. Daniel Attard (PL) hosted a political activity in Żabbar, and Clint Azzopardi Flores (PL) hosted one in Xlendi, Gozo. Arnold Cassola (Independent) met with Alleanza Ġustizzja, Ugwaljanza u Paċi. Sandra Gauci (ADPD), Mina Jack Tolu (ADPD) and Arnold Cassola (Independent) attended a discussion hosted by Junior College in the morning.
What’s happening today?: Sandra Gauci, Ralph Cassar, Mina Jack Tolu (all ADPD) are attending children's council event in the morning morning. Sandra Gauci and Arnold Cassola will attend a protest in Sliema in the afternoon. Cassola is also attending a debate at the Valletta Design Cluster in the morning. Bernard Grech will be visiting the Qormi Market at 9:30am and then our executive editor Kurt Sansone will interview him on NET FM at 11am. The Labour Party is holding an event in Qala, Gozo.
This article is part of a content series called Ewropej. This is a multi-newsroom initiative part-funded by the European Parliament to bring the work of the EP closer to the citizens of Malta and keep them informed about matters that affect their daily lives. This article reflects only the author’s view. The action was co-financed by the European Union in the frame of the European Parliament's grant programme in the field of communication. The European Parliament was not involved in its preparation and is, in no case, responsible for or bound by the information or opinions expressed in the context of this action. In accordance with applicable law, the authors, interviewed people, publishers or programme broadcasters are solely responsible. The European Parliament can also not be held liable for direct or indirect damage that may result from the implementation of the action.
Nicole Meilak is deputy online editor and IĠM press awards (Most Promising Journalist) wi...
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