Floriana Labour councillor Brian Zammit’s car was extensively damaged by arsonists early yesterday morning.
The attack came a few hours after a rowdy local council meeting during which independent councillor Nigel Holland was elected Floriana mayor.
The Malta Labour Party had been hoping that one of its two councillors would be elected mayor, but the position went to Mr Holland after the two Nationalist Party councillors voted for him.
According to law, the mayor of a locality is the councillor who obtains the highest number of votes from among those representing the party that obtains a majority.
But, in Floriana’s case, no party obtained a majority and of the five councillors elected, two were from the Malta Labour Party, two were from the Nationalist Party and the fifth was an independent.
The MLP had written to the Department of Local Govern-ment insisting that Labour councillor Brian Zammit, who had obtained the highest number of votes, should be appointed mayor.
But the law stipulates that the minister responsible for local councils has the right to choose who should be mayor in the event of the councillors failing to reach an agreement.
Monday evening’s council meeting was marred by shouting and offensive remarks from the public who were present, mainly directed at Mr Holland.
Mr Zammit’s Mitsubishi Pajero, which was parked in Emanuel Tonna Square in Floriana, was set alight at around 3am yesterday.
Civil Protection Department personnel were called to the scene to control the blaze. The car was extensively damaged by the fire but the police said no one had been injured.
Duty magistrate Antonio Vella was informed about the incident and appointed several court experts to assist him in the magisterial inquiry.
Police investigations are continuing.
Several statements condemning the attack have been issued. MLP leader Alfred Sant vehemently condemned the attack, saying that this was the third time Labour councillors’ possessions had been targeted by arsonists, following arson attacks on the homes of Qormi mayor Jesmond Aquilina and Hamrun mayor Luciano Busuttil.
Dr Sant said it was unacceptable that a councillor, who gave his services on a voluntary basis in the best interests of the residents, should be intimidated in this way. He said the MLP expects the Police Commissioner to investigate the matter and apprehend whoever committed this nonsensical act of violence.
The Labour leader also condemned the way the PN media had reported what happened at the first Floriana council meeting which, he said, portrayed Mr Zammit in an unacceptable manner. He expressed solidarity with Mr Zammit and his family.
Floriana council also condemned the arson attack, especially if it was connected to Mr Zammit’s position as a councillor. Moreover, it said, the fire could have had far more serious consequences because of residences close by.
The council also urged the authorities to investigate the matter and identify the person or people who committed such acts of violence, which are aimed at scaring people who are giving a service to society.
The National Association of Local Councils also issued a statement deploring the attack.