“Every beginning has an end”; Jose Herrera and Evarist Bartolo announce retirement from politics

'Every beginning has an end'; Jose Herrera and Evarist Bartolo address not being elected

Mar 28 2022

Foreign Minister Evarist Bartolo and Culture Minister Jose’ Herrera have set their sights on new horizons after failing to get re-elected to Parliament this election.

On Monday, Bartolo posted a Facebook entry congratulating the newly-elected members of parliament and thanking those who showed their support during his 30 years of service. The respected politician stated that, now that he did not get elected, he looks forward to a ‘new season’ in his life.

Bartolo first entered the parliamentary fray after being elected in 2017. Back in 2017, he was elected from the 10th and 12th districts, serving as a minister under Alfred Sant, Joseph Muscat and Robert Abela during his tenure.

Meanwhile, Culture Minister Jose’ Herrera also took to Facebook to thank his followers and supporters for years of trust & support during his six legislatures. Herrera revealed that after 26 years of service as a parliamentary member, it is now time to retire from the political scene.

The non-election of these two senior politicians and others from both ends of the political spectrum made way for a number of new faces in Parliament.

What do you make of this?

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Metsola offers support to PN despite keeping EP position

Mar 28 2022

European Parliament President and Nationalist MEP Roberta Metsola has offered her support to the Opposition Party but will still retain her position in Brussels.

MaltaToday revealed that sources close to the PN said the EP president spoke to Grech on results day to offer her continued support.

This follows a Tweet by PN deputy leader Robert Arrigo which read ‘Please help us Roberta’, a clear jab at current PN leadership and internal party conflicts.

The Tweet came just shortly after Bernard Grech said he would contest the upcoming PN leadership election. The Nationalist Party is required to hold a leadership contest following every electoral loss.

Sources have said that Metsola will offer support to the extent that her role as EP president allows her to do so. MaltaToday asked Metsola when she was elected president whether she would consider coming back to the local political scene.

She avoided any direct answers, stating that she plays her part in the local political scene by representing Malta at EU level.

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Żaren tal-Ajkla joins Labour Party supporters in post-victory celebrations

Mar 27 2022

Never one to shy away from a good time, Nazzareno Bonnici was seen earlier today joining the wave of Labour supporters in their spontaneous street celebrations following news of a landslide victory.

It is not yet known how many votes Bonnici secured during this year’s election but it seems like whatever the result, the ‘Partit tal-Ajkla’ leader is just happy to be there.

Earlier today, it was reported that the Labour Party secured a landslide victory, with initial party projections putting the voting margin at around 41,000 votes. Various Labour Party members, past and present, have since commented on the historic Labour win including former Prime Minister and Labour leader Joseph Muscat.

Meanwhile, the Nationalist Party’s Robert Arrigo has called upon current European Parliament President Roberta Metsola to ‘help’ the PN get back on its, indicating a lack of faith in the current PN leadership.

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Nationalist Party deputy leader calls for help from Metsola

Mar 27 2022

Posting to Twitter, Nationalist Party Deputy leader Robert Arrigo seemed to be calling out to Roberta Metsola to be the future of Malta and the Opposition.

Roberta Metsola had been once pinpointed as a future potential leader for the party. However, her most recent achievement of being elected European Parliament President faded this dream away.

Please help us roberta

— Robert Arrigo (@RobertArrigo1) March 27, 2022

Posting onto Twitter, the politician wrote ‘Please help us Roberta’, indicating both a hope for Metsola to return but also cracks in the Nationalist Party.

The recent tweet indicated a lack of faith in the Nationalist Party leadership. This comes as Bernard Grech promised to stay on as leader for the Opposition if he is given trust by the party.

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