WATCH: An Emotional Clayton Bartolo Embraces Prime Minister

In a video shared to social media by Talk News, former Minister Clayton Bartolo met with Prime Minister Robert Abela, with the two embracing as the former got visibly emotional.

Bartolo announced earlier this year that he will not be contesting the next general election, citing ;’credible information about an imminent smear campaign targeting him and his family.’

Bartolo had revealed that he had received reliable reports indicating that, during the forthcoming electoral campaign, a “vile and despicable” attack would be orchestrated against him, his wife, and their family.

According to the statement, the motive behind these alleged attacks is to undermine the achievements of the Labour Party in government and to shift public attention away from electoral proposals.

Following discussions with his family, he said he had taken the difficult decision to step aside from the electoral race.

He emphasised that he would not allow himself to be used in a way that could harm the party, adding that he had already informed Prime Minister Robert Abela of his decision. He stressed that the move was based on the belief that no individual is greater than the party.

#MaltaDaily