Muscat calls for early election of party officials

Joseph Muscat, a contender for the top Labour Party post, said yesterday the election for the party's new administration team should be held as soon as possible and not later than October.

People within the party wanted an election of the new delegates first but the party could not afford to wait until January, he said.

Dr Muscat was fielding questions by a group of invited journalists during a meeting for delegates in Ġnien Pawlu Boffa, Paola.

Referring to the report on Labour's third consecutive electoral defeat, Dr Muscat said: "The report identifies people who had a decision-making role in the electoral campaign but I will not be drawn into commenting about this because it is cheap and counter-productive.

"I will leave the decision to the delegates about who should be trusted with a role on the party's administration and I will work closely with whoever is chosen.

"I believe we were one team. Everyone should shoulder the responsibility for the defeat. One thing is certain: No one will be asked to leave the party," he said.

The report identified five people as the masterminds behind the campaign - former leader Alfred Sant, the two deputies Charles Mangion and Michael Falzon (who is now contesting for the top leadership post), secretary general Jason Micallef and party president Stefan Zrinzo Azzopardi.

Asked whether Mr Micallef should stay, Dr Muscat repeated that he will leave that decision to the delegates.

He said paranoia was the main reason why Labour lost, saying this word "encapsulated everything".

Dr Muscat also spoke about divorce and promised a free vote in Parliament when, if elected leader and subsequently becomes Prime Minister, he moves a draft Bill on the introduction of divorce.

He had already expressed himself in favour of divorce but yesterday reiterated it was "unacceptable" that a "modern society like that in Malta does not have this basic right".

On marriage between homosexuals, Dr Muscat said a form of "union" should be explored but not marriage.

The Labour leader hopeful also spoke about the saga surrounding European Socialists' head Martin Schulz, who came to Malta on Friday to endorse Dr Muscat's leadership bid. This irked the other four leadership contenders, who claimed it was unethical.

"I was very surprised by their reaction but I took note of it and now I'll leave it up to the delegates to decide. I have nothing against the other four contenders.

"Martin (Shultz) is a colleague and a friend. Every socialist is my friend and, if I am elected, I will strive to see the other four candidates in the heart of the party," he said. Asked about a possible split, he expressed his conviction that the MLP will remain one team.

Dr Muscat also spoke about state financing for political parties and full transparency on party finances.

Replying to a question on the popular perception that he was Dr Sant's puppet, Dr Muscat first joked by checking if he had any strings attached to him and then replied that only he will be the leader if elected.