Ivan Bartolo has said that his resignation from Parliament, in order to make way for new PN Leader Bernard Grech, did not come with any conditions.

Bartolo resigned his Parliamentary seat on Monday afternoon. He had already announced, months ago, that he would be willing to resign to give his seat to the new PN leader.

Asked by The Malta Independent, Bartolo said nothing was given to him in return. “We are not children,” he said.

Bartolo had been elected in a casual election to fill the seat vacated by Marthese Portelli.

In his last Parliamentary speech, Bartolo recalled how, back in March, during his first speech, he had spoken about attitude. "I believe in good and positive attitude, and that we should not let our negative thoughts take over. I believe we cannot be partisan politicians but mature politicians who wish to serve the Maltese and Gozitans and to leave our country better than how we found it.”

He said that giving up his seat was not a difficult decision, as he had entered politics not to be served, but to serve. “I believe that we should lead the way with a stronger opposition, as which is what the country needs.”

Bartolo thanked a number of individuals for believing in him during the past few months. “I wish to say well done to Adrian Delia, who gave his service for the past three years, and to thank him for believing in me. Thank you to our Whip, Robert Cutajar, who has helped and educated me about Parliament.” He also thanked Speaker Anglu Farrugia and the Parliament staff.

Farrugia thanked Bartolo and said that he was an extremely valid MP who shall be missed greatly. Farrugia read out Bartolo’s resignation letter.

PN Deputy Leader David Agius thanked Bartolo and said that he hopes that more people like him join politics.

 

Video: Giuseppe Attard