“The Nationalist-led Swieqi local council is letting partisan politics destroy any chance of creating a unified local council which works for the benefit of all Swieqi residents. This senseless proposal is hugely disappointing and a betrayal of what local councils should really be about.”

Dr Harry Vassallo, chairperson of Alternattiva Demokratika the Green Party was reacting to a proposal made by the Nationalist majority on the Swieqi council to exclude the AD local councillor, as well as the councillor from the Malta Labour Party, from any role or responsibility on the council.

In fact, at the first meeting of the council, Nationalist mayor Carmen Said presented a proposed list of roles and responsibilities divided to solely among PN councillors and excluded councillors from the other parties.

“I appeal to the good sense of the Mayor of Swieqi to withdraw this absurd proposal and work to include all councillors in the work of the council. Talent, capability, commitment and dedication should have no political colour and it is shameful that the mayor is letting partisan politics win over good sense in Swieqi,” continued Dr Vassallo.

Michael Briguglio, AD spokesperson for Local Councils, also called for the withdrawal of this ‘absurd’ proposal.

“Swieqi local council should follow the example of other local councils which strive to include all local councillors, irrespective of their political party, in the working of the council,” Michael Briguglio said.

He said that AD will continue to support its Swieqi local councillor Rene Rossignaud in his strong and unwavering commitment to work hard in the interest of all Swieqi residents, despite the negative, partisan attitude being shown by the Nationalist majority on the council.