The Partit Demokratiku will put new structures in place and provide training for its team to ensure that incidents such as the one that took place on 1 May are not repeated, the party said in a statement.

Following a Facebook incident on 1 May, Partit Demokratiku (PD) launched an immediate independent inquiry into the events that lead up to the release of its unacceptable online communication.  

The post – which was made on the Party’s official Facebook page – was uploaded by one person from within PD’s social media team. The party did not name the person.

The post referred to parliamentary secretary Julia Farrugia Portelli as being a “village escort”, and was deleted as soon as the content became known to other members, who instantly knew it to be deplorable. The party issued an official apology later that same day, and simultaneously launched an independent inquiry.

The findings of the inquiry show that the post itself was the result of impulsive and poorly thought-out behaviour. As a result, PD believes changes need to be made to its internal structure and to put clear processes in place to ensure this kind of activity cannot be allowed to take place again. In addition, training activities have also been recommended.

Speaking after the findings of the inquiry were released, PD secretary general Godfrey Farrugia said: “PD does have a firm and organised structure in place, however we acknowledge the need to further develop our written policies, codes of practice and other similar guidelines so that we can provide clearer direction to our party management and members.

“The board notes that, not only did the executive immediately remove the Facebook post forwarded by an administrator, but issued a public apology, both online and through the party’s two elected MPs in Parliament.

“We now take on board the inquiry’s recommendation for training sessions and a robust public relations plan to reflect the work being done by PD to help develop the party, its messages and its policies.

“PD unequivocally condemns the language in question. It accepts that its publication was a grave error of judgement and shares a collective responsibility for it.”

The independent Board of Inquiry appointed to investigate this incident was composed of Ms Jo Caruana, Dr Lizzie Eldridge and Dr Michael Zammit Maempel.