Jason Micallef decides not to contest for PL Deputy Leader, Agius Saliba teases possible candidacy

Jason Micallef, CEO of the Valletta Cultural Agency has decided not to contest for the post of PL Deputy Leader, just days after announcing that he would stand in an internal election for the post.Meanwhile, PL MEP Alex Agius Saliba has teased his po

By: independent.com.mt

Aug 06 2024
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Jason Micallef decides not to

Jason Micallef, CEO of the Valletta Cultural Agency has decided not to contest for the post of PL Deputy Leader, just days after announcing that he would stand in an internal election for the post.

Meanwhile, PL MEP Alex Agius Saliba has teased his possible candidacy.

Micallef, who is a former General Secretary of the Labour Party under Alfred Sant's leadership, said in a Facebook post that on Monday he had a meeting with Prime Minister Robert Abela.

"Together, we had an extensive discussion on the renewal process that needs to take place within the Labour Party, from now until the next general election. Today, I also met with Labour MEP and my old friend, Alex Agius Saliba. Following the outcome of these meetings, I do not feel that I need to continue with my candidacy for the post of PL Deputy Leader for Party Affairs. I am doing this because I remain steadfast in what I have always believed, and I will continue to believe in it. For me, the interests of the Labour Party and its people will always and everywhere come first."

Micallef's candidacy had been a controversial one. Prime Minister Abela had said in an interview when asked about Micallef's candidacy that the clock should not be turned back, although he paid tribute to Micallef's contributions. If Micallef proceeds with his plans, then it will be up to the party delegates to decide, Abela said. "You asked me about a specific person, but I think my reply counts in general, when your time is up and you've given your contribution, don't come back."

PL MEP Alex Agius Saliba meanwhile also published a Facebook post of his own, in which he teased his candidacy for the PL Deputy Leadership post.

Agius Saliba also said that he had a meeting with the Prime Minister where he "had the opportunity to discuss with him the vision for the country and the PL for the coming years. I fully believe in Robert Abela's vision, both for the future of the country and for the leadership of the Labour Party."

"I understand that the Prime Minister also had a meeting during the day with Jason Micallef, as I did as well. We agreed that the Labour Party has to remain open for everyone, without distinction. A party that continues to be the natural party of the people. Above all, a party that offers hope for a better future to workers, businesses, and the entire Maltese and Gozitan people."

It was here that he teased his candidacy. He said he will "fully support the amendment to the Labour Party statute so that the position of Deputy Leader for Party Affairs is open to both Members of Parliament and Members of the European Parliament as well."

"This was a common message I heard from the delegates in recent days, who among others spoke to me to involve myself directly in the Labour Party, as I have always done even in my role as President of the Labour Youth Forum."

He said that the Labour Party has always put Malta's interests first.

"I am ready to continue giving my utmost so that when the time comes, the Labour Party will win again, for the benefit of all Maltese and Gozitans. Thank you for your continued support and for the trust that Prime Minister Robert Abela has always shown me.

Both Deputy Leadership posts within the PL will need to be filled. Chris Fearne, who was the party's Deputy Leader for Parliamentary Affairs, said soon after the court decreed that prima facie there was enough evidence for the case to continue against him in the hospitals case, that he will not be seeking to retain the post when the party elects its two deputy leaders in September. The PL's other deputy leader Daniel Micallef, who is responsible for party affairs, had already declared his intention to quit soon after the European Parliament and local council elections.