Ultra-conservative party Aħwa Maltin is folding up

Aħwa Maltin has announced its closure following a disappointing electoral showing and member disengagement, with the party's committee set to meet on 6 October to formalise closure procedures.

Party Leader Paul Salamone said the party "will not serve as a stepping stone for anyone anymore". The party received 1,845 votes in the 30 May general election, representing 0.60% of the total. Labour, led by Prime Minister Robert Abela, won with 51.77% of the vote, securing its fourth consecutive victory since 2013.

Salamone described a pattern of members requesting assistance whilst declining to commit. He said people cited concerns about working with government and reluctance to be seen publicly as party members as reasons they did not want to join the party. "The result clearly showed that the public has no desire to take action, as they are comfortable with the bonus payments."

Salamone expressed disillusionment with the lack of commitment. "The result clearly showed that people don't want to shift because they're comfortable with the bonus. This is not a problem. The result of the election clearly showed what the people prefer," he said, stating that people now have the government and the opposition they deserve.

The party leader attempted to identify new leadership in July but was unsuccessful. "I attempted to find a new head from everyone necessary to reach the role, but the person I was looking at as the new party head did not accept," Salamone explained.

Whilst thanking the 1,845 voters who supported Aħwa Maltin, Salamone drew a line under the party's political activities. From this point forward, he said, individuals facing injustice would need to speak for themselves rather than rely on the party as a vehicle.

He said that "had everyone who approached us with their family problems, and for whom we became a voice, actually voted for us, we would have secured three seats." 

The formalisation of closure at the 6 October committee meeting will bring an end to the ultra-conservative party's operations.