PN Calls For Ħal Għargħur Protest After Mayor Change
The Nationalist Party (PN) has called for a public demonstration in Ħal Għargħur, protesting what it describes as a “blatant attack on democracy” following the ‘removal of its elected mayor, Helen Gauci.’
The event, titled the “Rally for Democracy,” is set to take place in front of the PN club in Ħal Għargħur on Tuesday evening, with party leader Bernard Grech expected to address attendees.
The PN claims that the ousting of Gauci, who was elected with 62.3% of the vote in last June’s local council elections, was the result of a politically motivated vote of no confidence orchestrated by the Labour Party.
According to the PN, this move “disregards the will of the majority of residents” and undermines the democratic outcome of the election.
In a statement, the party accused Prime Minister Robert Abela and the Labour administration of backing the manoeuvre, which it described as “anti-democratic” and “a power grab.”
PN officials say the rally is aimed at defending democratic principles and showing solidarity with the people of Ħal Għargħur. “We must raise our voices against those trying to undermine democracy,” the party said in its announcement.
The protest is scheduled for 6:30pm.
Labour Party’s Position:
On its part, the Labour Party has defended the recent change in leadership within the Għargħur Local Council, asserting that the vote of no confidence against Nationalist Mayor Helen Gauci was a legitimate and democratic process.
In a statement issued following the council meeting on 14 May, the PL said the motion was passed with the support of three out of five councillors—two Labour and one Independent—while the two Nationalist councillors voted against.
The motion also proposed Labour Councillor Mariah Meli as the new Mayor, and Independent Councillor Francesca Attard would retain her role as Deputy Mayor. This marks the first time Għargħur will be led by a Labour Mayor.
Labour welcomed the result, accusing the Nationalist Party (PN) of attempting to disrupt a democratic outcome rather than accepting the new council configuration, in which it now holds only two of the five seats.
The party insisted that the decision was taken in the best interest of Għargħur residents, with an emphasis on transparency and good governance.
In a follow-up statement, the Labour Party criticised the PN for what it called “double standards.” Labour argued that the PN was ignoring the basic principle that council leadership is determined by seat majority—not popular vote count.
It also pointed out that the PN has supported similar leadership changes in other councils when the roles were reversed. Labour condemned what it described as threatening rhetoric used by PN officials, calling it an attempt to undermine democratic processes.
#MaltaDaily