Partit Demokratiku MP Godfrey Farrugia, in an open letter sent to the media, says “with profound sadness” that he acknowledges “the untold, irreversible damage, the Labour Party I had helped to elect, is inflicting in my country.”
He said he emphatised with all the people who feel betrayed by the PL, which has abandoned its historical ideals.
Farrugia was elected MP for Labour in 2013, was made Minister of Health and removed after a year to become party whip. He resigned from the Labour Party before the 2017 election and was returned to Parliament on the Partit Demokratiku ticket.
“I joined Malta Tagħna Lkoll as a doctor - a doctor wishing to heal a divided country with an inclusive message of hope for all,” he wrote. “I worked very hard until the end, and I am proud of certain achievements of that administration. Yet day by day, I saw mistakes swept under the carpet, and no ownership was taken of them. Attempts to change course were met by attempts to silence.
“Today, I again empathise with those who feel betrayed, just as I felt betrayed by the abandonment of the historical ideals of the Labour Party. I remember what it felt like to doubt from the inside - watching a dream crumble, and people turning their backs on the solutions, either out of self-interest, or more often, out of fear. After so long in Opposition, it was easier for most to close a blind eye, as we abandoned humane politics. I understand those today who are scared to speak up, because those who have spoken up have often found themselves marginized and threatened. The system itself needs to change. Speaking up against corruption on any side of the House, whatever colour, can only truly come from putting country first.
"I spoke out, in the end, and I made my stand. I know what it is like. Now I wish to change the system, which restricts people from speaking out because of the fear of social and professional consequences. The present political party system punishes dissent, at every stage of life. All those of clear conscience must stand together. I urge those who can make a difference to come together to save the country from the collapse of the Rule of Law, and from falling into total disrepute. Let us make a proud Malta a Malta for everyone."