Labour MEP Cyrus Engerer confirmed what has been known for the past months – that he will not contest the upcoming European Parliament elections.
Engerer became an MEP in 2020 to replace Miriam Dalli, who had resigned after she was appointed minister.
In a lengthy Facebook post, Engerer acknowledged that “many people feel orphaned by the country’s political system.”
Engerer said that he will remain active, as he believes that Malta needs change. He said that he wants to see a country, “where the honest business person works in a level playing field, where hard work leads to success.”
The MEP also highlighted his wish to see the environment become a fundamental right. He also called on the government to implement every recommendation from the Daphne Caruana Galizia and Jean Paul Sofia public inquiries.
In his Facebook post, Engerer emphasised that as an MEP, he had tried to "do things differently," inviting activists and sex workers to Brussels and planning an event that brought together members of the most marginalised groups in society.
Engerer, who was in the past a member of the Nationalist Party, and who has served as PN’s Sliema Deputy Mayor, defected to the Labour Party shortly before the 2013 general election.
He thanked Prime Minister Robert Abela who, he said, was until yesterday trying to persuade him to contest. He also thanked the two parties in the EP who, he said, wanted him on their list.