As Birkirkara's local council prepares for its 10th attempt to decide on a mayor, PN councillor Desirei Grech, who has served as interim mayor for over a year, said that the council remains active and is carrying out both day-to-day duties and long-term projects, despite the ongoing deadlock.

The 13 elected councillors have been unable to agree on a permanent mayor for over a year since the elections held in June of last year, as neither of the two major parties obtained a majority in the locality. Both the Nationalist Party and the Labour Party elected six councillors each, and independent candidate Kaylocke Buhagiar won the 13th seat.

With nine failed attempts to decide on a mayor, a 10th vote is scheduled for tomorrow.

In the absence of consensus, Grech has repeatedly been appointed interim mayor, renewing her term every three months as she was the candidate who obtained the highest number of votes (1,802) representing the party which picked up the most preferences.

When asked if the council has been effectively paralysed by the deadlock, Grech told The Malta Independent on Sunday that despite the ongoing situation, the Birkirkara council is not only focused on day-to-day responsibilities, but is actively working on long-term projects that will benefit the community.

"While I acknowledge that the situation is challenging, I do not agree with the notion that the deadlock is hindering the council's work. The council continues to function and implement projects," Grech said.

She rejected the idea that the council is planning in three-month stretches, saying that this is not the case at all.

Grech said that the local council is working on various projects and planning long-term initiatives.

"We are making use of allocated funds and actively pushing forward projects like the John Borg playfield development, including improvements at the football grounds and a new public convenience at Gnien l-Istazzjon Birkirkara," Grech said.

Additionally, the council is also working on an Innovation Centre project that will bring new opportunities and services to the area, as well as focusing on uplifting the areas of Valley Road and the Core, enhancing the local infrastructure for residents and businesses.

Grech said that furthermore, the council has already completed Phase I of the Mrieħel Windmill project, which she described as a significant achievement, with the council now preparing for the next phases of development.

"These projects take time to plan and execute, and we are not limited by a three-month cycle," Grech said.

She was asked whether the council has managed to make use of the funds allocated for Birkirkara, to which she replied in the positive, saying that the funds are being used effectively.

"We are actively working on projects that will benefit Birkirkara residents. There are significant projects underway, such as the development of public spaces, improvements to recreational facilities, and infrastructural upgrades, as well as long-term initiatives. These are all part of our ongoing commitment in Birkirkara's future," Grech said.

She was asked whether there have been any informal meetings held between councillors to try and reach a compromise, and whether the PN side has proposed anything like giving the mayor's role to Buhagiar, for example.

Grech said she could not speak on Buhagiar's behalf; however, she said that no agreement has been reached from the PN side.

"The situation remains unresolved, but we are continuing to engage in the process and remain committed to resolving the issue in the best interest of the community," Grech said.

Grech would not say whether she believes there is a chance that Buhagiar will change his stance, but said that the deadlock is "unfortunate".

"It is important for all councillors to work together to find a solution that serves the best interests of Birkirkara," Grech said.

Grech was asked if she believed the result from the 2024 June elections should carry more weight, to which she replied in the affirmative.

"I do believe that the result of the election should carry weight, and that the will of the voters should be respected. I was elected with the most first-count votes, and I feel that this demonstrates the confidence the people of Birkirkara have in me to lead," Grech said.

However, she continued that the process must continue to be democratic, and she is committed to working with her fellow councillors to ensure the Council moves forward constructively.

Asked if the Council should be dissolved and a fresh election held instead, so that the situation does not persist for another four years, Grech disagreed.

"I do not agree that the council should be dissolved. Dissolving the council would undermine all the hard work that has been put in so far and would mean starting over with no guarantee that the situation would improve," Grech said.

She said that the council has been actively working on projects and have made significant progress, and it is important for the council to remain functional and for councillors to continue their work, rather than abandoning the progress made.

"A point that I must also raise, however, is the level of disrespect I feel not only towards myself but towards the whole community," Grech said.

She said that some councillors fail to attend monthly meetings, yet they appear on the day of the vote.

"This shows a lack of commitment to the Council's work, and frankly, it undermines the importance of these meetings. The community deserves better. Councillors must show up and engage responsibly, as it is their duty to the people of Birkirkara," Grech said.

She continued that the council is committed to fostering a strong community through regular events and activities.

Each month Grech said that the council organises various initiatives to bring people together and keep the sense of community alive.

She said that Birkirkara will be hosting the Christmas Market, the Carnival Ball, which she said last year's first edition was a huge success, and a big concert held for the first time in Birkirkara this August.

"These events are just a few examples of how we are maintaining a vibrant and engaged community. Public cleaning, youth activities, and other social events are also ongoing throughout the year to ensure that Birkirkara remains a lively and united place," Grech said.

Grech said that the Council remains committed to serving Birkirkara residents and maintaining its effective operations.

"While I wish the situation in Birkirkara were different and that we had a smoother path ahead, I have to embrace the challenge. As mayor of the second-largest locality in Malta, I carry a great responsibility, but challenges never discourage me; they make me stronger and push me to work even harder to achieve my goal, which is serving the Birkirkara residents to the best of my ability," Grech said.