Minister for the Economy, Investment and Small Business, Chris Cardona, said that he is excited for the race for PL Deputy Leader, saying that he is in a position to give back to the Labour Party with the final objective to make sure Joseph Muscat will be prime minister again after the next election.

Dr Cardona was the first to announce his decision to contest the post which was previously occupied by Minister without portfolio, Konrad Mizzi, who was elected PL Deputy Leader in February to replace Toni Abela.

The Malta Independent asked the Deputy Leader hopeful whether he believes he has to support of the PL delegates to which Dr Cardona scoffed saying, “If I thought I had their support, there wouldn’t be a contest.”

The minister then elaborated on what he believes he can give the PL as a Deputy Leader. “I think that nowadays I am in a position where I can give back to the Labour Party a lot of the experience which I have accumulated throughout the last 20 years in parliament, three of which as a minister.”

Dr Cardona said that he wishes to be in a position where he can pass on the success which Malta is achieving in the economy to the PL in order to help create a strong electoral campaign for the coming election. 

When asked about Stefan Zrinzo Azzopardi, who told TMI that he is also interested in throwing in his hat for the position, Dr Cardona said “[Stefan Zrinzo] is a very good candidate with as much experience as myself in the party. Obviously he is someone who can contribute a lot to the Labour Party and I welcome this contest in a way where I am looking forward to it and I’m excited.”

Contacted by this newsroom, Dr Zrinzo Azzopardi said of a prospective bid for the post vacated by Konrad Mizzi, “One will decide when one will decide.” Pressed to say if he excludes it or not, Dr Zrinzo Azzopardi reiterated the same reply.

Minister for Tourism Edward Zammit Lewis also said he has not taken a final decision on whether he would be running for Labour Party Deputy Leader or not. Replying to questions by TMI, the minister said that “nominations are not formally open. I will see where the party needs me.” He said that whatever he decides, he will still be serving the Labour Party, but insisted he did not take a final decision.

Last Saturday, Dr Zammit Lewis told TMI that he had not made up his mind whether or not to contest for the post. He said that the election process is still to start and right now he is concentrating on his ministerial duties, most notably the negotiations involving the sale of 49% of Air Malta to Alitalia.

Minister for Justice, Culture and Local Government, Owen Bonnici also spoke to TMI not excluding the possibility of running for PL Deputy Leader. "I will consider the possibility, but will use these coming days to reflect," the minister said.