Robert Abela praises Birkirkara councillors despite divisive mayoral election

Robert Abela on Wednesday offered a conciliatory tone to the Birkirkara councillor who defied party directives and voted against the Labour Party’s nominated mayoral candidate.

Yana Borg Debono Grech “has a great future in the Labour Party” Abela said in an interview On Tuesday’s controversial vote.

Borg Debono Grech voted down a Labour-led motion to appoint independent councillor Kaylocke Buhagiar as mayor.

The town has been deadlocked since the local council election in June, when the National Party and Labour won six seats each, with the remaining seat going to former Labour MP Buhagiar.

After a split vote on Tuesday, the National Party’s most popular councillor, Desirei Grech – who had three votes less than Borg Debono Grech – was appointed interim mayor for a three-month term in accordance with the rules because the National Party won the most votes in the area.

“I understand where she’s coming from; Yana got the most votes locally,” Abela said Wednesday afternoon.

He said he believed a compromise could be found between Buhajar and Bog Debono Grech in the coming weeks.

“Everyone who voted for a Labour MP, or even an independent MP, wants their constituency to be run by Labour,” Abela said.

He insisted Bog de Bono Grech had a bright future within the Labour Party.

“I would like to see her contest the elections that will be held in the Labour Party in the coming weeks. She has a great future not only in Parliament and within the party but also outside the party,” Abela said.

She is currently an elected member of the Labour Party’s Executive Committee.

Abela said she voted against the party’s motion but would not face any disciplinary action.

“Problems like this can be resolved through dialogue,” he said.

“Alfred Zammit still has a lot to give”

Abela was also asked about another Labour MP, former Valletta mayor Alfred Zammit.

Alfred Zammit.

Zammit, a household name in the Labour Party and the party’s media during Alfred Sant’s leadership, was re-elected as a councillor but lost the mayoralty after failing to win the highest number of votes. He has said he works with an independent mind and said some in the party turned against him in the run-up to last month’s local council elections. He did not attend the swearing-in ceremony with other councillors but took the oath of office alone.

Abela said Zammit’s work as mayor meant Labour gained votes in Valletta.

“It’s normal to feel disappointed about not being re-elected mayor,” Abela said.

“Alfred still has a lot to offer the Labour Party and I will insist he does so in his new role.”

The Prime Minister said: “I will do everything possible and I am confident that I will succeed in ensuring Alfred remains active in the Premier League.”