Roderick Galdes Barred From Contesting Next General Election

Former Housing Minister Roderick Galdes has been barred from contesting the next general election.

In a statement posted to social media, Galdes revealed that he had submitted himself to scrutiny and was unanimously approved by the Labour Party’s Candidates Commission and the Party’s administration.

However, he was not approved by the Executive following a vote that ended in an 18-18 stalemate and led to a recount.

“I believe I was the victim of a coordinated effort by a political group whose aim, after 32 years of service and work for the benefit of the country and the Party, was to tarnish my name and carry out a character assassination through conjecture and false allegations, for which there is no evidence and which have never been substantiated”, he said.

“There were those who had an interest in removing me to make space for someone else, without allowing the electorate to have their say.”

“I was ready to continue to serve, after many years of experience in politics, because the people and the country have always been close to my heart.”

He went on to thank the people of Ħal Qormi, Ħal Luqa, Siġġiewi and other localities for their constant support.

“There is a need for serious reflection on how we attract and support individuals who are willing to make the sacrifices required in politics today, especially in an environment where social media is being used to spread unfounded accusations, without the balance of adequate legal means that guarantee proper justice.”

UPDATE WITH PRIME MINISTER’S COMMENTS

Prime Minister Robert Abela thanked former Housing Minister Roderick Galdes for his work as both Minister and parliamentary Secretariat.

Abela said that he is certain Galdes has more to offer in the future after he was barred from entering the 2026 election race.

This was announced during the unveiling of the manifesto proposals for the ‘Int Malta’ campaign.

#MaltaDaily