The next battle to be contested in Malta will not be on a national level, but within the Malta Labour Party, to fill the void which has been created as a result of the resignation of Alfred Sant after 16 years at the helm.
Dr Sant stepped down on Monday after conceding defeat to Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi, this time emphasising that his resignation was irrevocable. Since the general election loss in 1998, the MLP has lost the 2003 European Union referendum, the 2003 general election and now the 2008 general election; the latter literally by a whisker.
Dr Sant had resigned after the 2003 electoral loss, but he changed his mind, re-contested, and was confirmed as party leader. Now, his decision to move out is final.
All eyes will now focus on the internal structure of the MLP. Or will they?
The most obvious choices within the party would seem to be the deputy leader for party affairs Michael Falzon, and the deputy leader for parliamentary affairs, Charles Mangion. The latter, however, this paper has found out, is not keen on contesting for the leadership.
Dr Falzon, on the other hand, is considered to be hot property within the MLP. Dr Falzon is a likeable fellow and although his chanting during an MLP mass meeting was the subject of ridicule, especially on the internet, he is considered to be a moderate and one that could unite the ever-quarrelsome Labour ranks.
Perhaps Dr Falzon’s biggest handicap is his performance in public, where he tends to lose his composure in front of large crowds, not endearing him to the more conservative floaters. On the other hand, Dr Falzon’s impeccable behaviour at the counting hall in Naxxar – where he was abandoned by Dr Mangion and secretary general Jason Micallef after it became clear that the MLP had lost – won him the plaudits, especially for the gracious and friendly manner in which he conceded defeat.
Another potential candidate for the post is MP Marie Louise Colerio Preca. The MLP has never had a female leader before, and Mrs Coleiro Preca has some credentials to become the first. Although not a new face, the notary would offer something completely new with her heartfelt political beliefs, as well as the simple fact that she is a woman. Incidentally, the MLP had the first woman MP, the late Agatha Barbara, who became minister and ended her career as Malta’s head of state.
The face that would perhaps appeal to the moderates and floaters would have to be the charismatic MEP Joseph Muscat. Mr Muscat has been very successful in the European Parliament and is well thought of by the floor, committees of which he is a member, as well as his PN counterparts. Mr Muscat is bright, likeable, intelligent and practical. Although the party administration seems to be pushing him forward, drawbacks include the fact that he has already expressed his desire to contest the 2009 MEP election – but then he could easily opt out – as well as that he might be regarded as too young at the age of 34.
Sources have also told this newspaper that there are two potential outsiders, although they would have to be asked back into the party and would not push themselves forward. These comprise former MLP deputy leader George Abela and Alfred Mifsud. The two men are respected by both sides of the house and both had previously said that they would never be involved in the party as long as Alfred Sant was leader.
Dr Abela was in fact the person who brokered the fragile deal between Air Malta employees and the government when the restructuring process was in motion, while Mr Mifsud has never shied from speaking his mind even if it was not in his own interest to do so. However, both men have injured pride and would probably only consider returning to the fold if they were approached by the party itself.
Dr Abela is known for his charisma and Labour supporters would welcome him back with open arms. Mr Mifsud is more of an economist who, like Dr Abela, moved away from the party because of differences with Dr Sant. With Dr Sant out of the way, both Dr Abela and Mr Mifsud could be in the running for the leadership, and this is what perhaps pushed Dr Sant to say he would remain an MP until he speaks to the new leader once he or she is elected. It is hard to imagine Dr Sant staying on with Dr Abela or Mr Mifsud as party leader.
Although he would not contest the leadership battle, one wonders whether former Finance Minister Lino Spiteri (who quit over Alfred Sant’s refusal to retain VAT), will be brought back into the party in some capacity or other.
Then of course, there are Anglu Farrugia and John Attard Montalto. Both Dr Farrugia and Dr Attard Montalto contested the leadership election against Dr Sant, following the 2003 election defeat. Dr Farrugia has support within the party – as witnessed last time around– but his tendency to rant, his hard-line policies and his past in the Police Corps do not reflect a ‘new Labour’.
Dr Attard Montalto is very popular, especially with female voters. However, his willy-nilly attitude may not be the most conducive attribute for party leadership.
There is another name which many circles believe would have all the right attributes, but he did not make it to parliament this time around – Gavin Gulia. Dr Gulia was one of the youngest cabinet members ever and performed well, both in government and in opposition. Dr Gulia’s chances of election were severely hampered due to the rearrangement of voting districts, as well as the fact that Prof. Anthony Zammit was fielded as a candidate in the same district.
Prof. Zammit equals a sympathy vote for Dr Sant, resulting in Dr Gulia’s elimination. Dr Gulia is a moderate, likeable and ‘good value for money’. His departure will leave a large void to fill, especially in appealing to the floating and PN voters.
To close, one must point out that there is also the possibility of an unknown back bencher landing the role. After all, that is exactly what happened with Alfred Sant in 1992. Who it would be is anyone’s guess.