In an unexpected turn of events, Birkirkara’s most popular Labour councillor, Yana Borg Debono Grech, blocked the nomination of independent candidate Kaylocke Buhagiar for town  mayor during a tense 20-minute council meeting on Tuesday evening.

Despite five  out of the six Labour councillors supporting Buhagiar, Borg Debono Grech voted against her party’s decision, aligning herself with the opposition PN councillors.

Borg Debono Grech, who garnered the most votes in last month’s Birkirkara local council elections, later affirmed her loyalty to Labour. “Politics should serve the people’s trust to improve their community”, she wrote on Facebook, expressing her openness to finding a solution reflecting the voter’s wishes.

The Labour Party acknowledged a previous proposal for Borg Debono Grech as mayor had failed to secure a majority. The party reiterated its commitment to a stable council for Birkirkara’s benefit.

A proposal to elect PN councillor Desirei Grech as mayor was also rejected, leading to her temporary appointment as interim mayor for three months, given the PN’s overall vote majority. Grech urged cooperation among councillors to improve the locality.

Birkirkara’s council remains in deadlock, with another vote scheduled in three months, underscoring the ongoing political tensions in the locality.

#MaltaDaily