[WATCH] Godfrey Farrugia appointed Partit Demokratiku leader

Partit Demokratiku MP Godfrey Farrugia has been appointed party leader by an independent electoral commission, the PD said on Saturday.

The party said in a statement that Farrugia had “effectively been declared the new leader” by the commission in a report to the party’s executive.

Farrugia, a former Labour whip, was appointed leader after he ran for the post of leader uncontested.

“Partit Demokratiku’s priority remains an educated, outward looking, open European society where active participation replaces exclusion,” the statement read.

“PD pledges to reinstate honesty and responsibility into the heart of Maltese politics and give a stronger voice to citizens who believe that our nation deserves to be governed in a way that makes us proud and safeguards a dignified lifestyle for the generations of today and tomorrow.”

Farrugia will be taking over at the leadership of the party from former leader Anthony Buttigieg who will be contesting next year's MEP Election.

The doctor started his political career as an independent mayor of his hometown of Zebbug. He eventually joined the Labour Party and was elected MP in the 2013 general election. 

Shortly before the 2017 election, Farrugia left the Labour Party and contested the election as a PD candidate with the Forza Nazzjonali coalition.