President Emeritus, Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca said that the Labour Party needs "immediate healing," in a video endorsing Deputy Prime Minister Chris Fearne in his bid to become the next leader of the Labour Party.

She also referred to the "pain" felt by all those who have given their lives to the party and Malta, saying that Fearne understands them.

"Chris Fearne is the person this country needs as a Prime Minister at the moment because after these difficult times we need to emerge renewed, re-strengthened, and united as a democratic nation built on values and fundamentals rights in the confront of our children."

Coleiro Preca said she has known Fearne for a long time, since he was a youth working voluntarily in the Labour Party. She also knows him in situations where he spoke and took action so the right thing was done. "I know him in good times and in bad times," she continued.

"Chris loves the people of this country. His upbringing rushed him to love and help those most in need. I know him as a person whose loyalty to our country, and the actual values of the Labour Party, are considered a fundamental value."

Coleiro Preca said that without much fanfare, Fearne works and changes people's lives, both when he was a Minister, as well as Deputy Prime Minister. 

She continued to note that Fearne is also a doctor, specialised in paediatrics, and because of this, he has learnt to make urgent decisions, always for the benefit of the patient. 

"This country, and this party, that I have worked in since I was 16 years old needs immediate healing."

"It is for this reason that I believe that Chris Fearne is the choice for the moment." 

Fearne, who is currently Deputy Prime Minister as well as health minister, is running alongside Labour MP Robert Abela, in the leadership race for leader of the party, and subsequently for the role of Prime Minister.

The elections for the leadership race will take place on 12 January.

On Sunday, Fearne revealed a list of 10 priorities he will propose should he win the race. These priorities include the rule of law and governance situation, the housing problem, an ambitious plan to create more green spaces, equal work for equal pay, and immigration, amongst others.