Opposition Leader Simon Busuttil does not regret approving Salvu Mallia as a candidate for the next general election, despite recent controversies relating to comparisons he made to infamous dictators Hitler and Stalin.

Dr Busuttil was asked by the Malta Independent whether he has any regrets bringing Mr Mallia on board, and whether he condones Mr Mallia's comparisons of Prime Minister Joseph Muscat to Stalin and Hitler.

"I think Salvu is doing a good job, especially since he is again making politics interesting for the people. I think one of the problems with politics is that it seems people were bored with politicians, with politics, but Salvu has the capacity to bring out a message clearly. His message is the same as mine, that we have a big challenge before us - to see how we can remove the most corrupt government in Maltese history."

Asked by the press why the ban on PN candidates having programmes on party media was lifted, he said: "The party is facing PL government propaganda that, through your taxes, is paying for adverts to brainwash people through OneTV, PBS and the L-Orizzont, we felt that we must use the competencies of our candidates in the best interests of the party."

Turning to whether PN Deputy Leader Mario de Marcois still contributing to the PN, Dr Busuttil said that Dr de Marco is a Deputy Leader, and that he understands Dr de Marco is going through a personal situation.

 

PL reaction

The Labour Party said Simon Busuttil was defending Mallia while discarding de Marco. “Simon Busuttil had no problem defending Mallia, despite the PN candidate’s comparisons of the PM to Hitler, but did not find time to condemn the attack on Mario de Marco.”

 

The PL said this was not only proof that the extremist clique within the PN had taken over and also exposed the Opposition Leader’s weakness before people like Salvu Mallia. Dr Busuttil, the PL said, had not only defended Salvu Mallia but was also saying that they shared the same message. 

 

Video by Jonathan Borg