Konrad Mizzi’s behaviour has divided opinion in the Labour Party

Despite the show of a united front and a popular demonstration of support for the party leader, Konrad Mizzi’s behaviour – and, though this is unspoken, the Prime Minister’s and Keith Schembri’s – has divided opinion in the Labour Party.

Former prime minister and current Labour MEP Alfred Sant has now said that he has nothing to add to his statement that Konrad Mizzi should have resigned of his own accord. The question was put to him again by The Malta Independent after the Prime Minister’s announcement last Thursday, that Mizzi would be retained as a minister in his office.

Evarist Bartolo, an old friend of Sant’s, told The Malta Independent pretty much the same thing a couple of days ago, except that, in typical fashion, he pretended to have concern for the prime minister in his “anguish” and making “a difficult and trying decision”.

No less than the Labour whip himself, Godfrey Farrugia, refused to go to the May Day demonstration in support of the government/Labour leader, making his decision public up ahead. Though he did not link it to Konrad Mizzi, it was left unspoken and he said instead that he respects the worker too much to go.

Godfrey Farrugia’s companion, Marlene Farrugia, who is an independent MP, has brought before parliament a motion of no confidence in Konrad Mizzi, which will be debated and voted on tomorrow.

Former Labour Party secretary-general Jason Micallef, who now chairs the organising body for Valletta’s 2018 stint as European Capital of Culture, and former Labour minister Joe Grima, now the Prime Minister’s special envoy for tourism, have also voiced their dissent. Micallef has written about those who are “untouchable even when they have holed the ship”.

Joe Grima, in response to Micallef’s words, said the following.