Labour approves Mangion as Opposition Leader

The Labour Parliamentary Group yesterday unanimously approved Charles Mangion as Opposition Leader.

In a statement, the group said it had confirmed the President's decision to appoint Dr Mangion to the position until the new Labour leader is co-opted to Parliament after the summer recess.

Dr Mangion thanked the group for its support.

Speaking in Rabat on Sunday, newly-elected Labour leader Joseph Muscat said the position of Opposition Leader should have, by right, been occupied by Anġlu Farrugia, the new deputy leader for parliamentary affairs. The latter had suggested, however, that Dr Mangion should retain the post temporarily until Dr Muscat takes his seat in Parliament.

Dr Mangion - former acting leader and former deputy leader for parliamentary affairs - was formally sworn in as Leader of the Opposition by the President after Alfred Sant stepped down a day before the leadership election on June 5.

Under the Constitution, it is the President's prerogative whom to appoint as Leader of the Opposition.

Speaking to The Times on Sunday evening, President Eddie Fenech Adami said he had not been contacted on the Labour Party leadership's decision to temporarily retain Dr Mangion.

Constitutional lawyers say consultation with the President on the matter is a basic requirement and have expressed serious doubts on the correctness of Labour's decision in terms of the Constitution.

Dr Mangion now holds no official position within the Labour Party with Dr Farrugia having replaced him as number two in the party hierarchy.

During the meeting, the group also expressed its support for Dr Farrugia and deputy leader for party affairs Toni Abela and showed its appreciation for the work carried out by the outgoing deputy leaders, Dr Mangion and Michael Falzon.

Joe Mizzi was confirmed group whip while Noel Farrugia was appointed assistant whip and Joe Sammut assistant whip and treasurer.

MPs Carmelo Abela, Anthony Agius Decelis, Leo Brincat, Stefan Buontempo, Joe Cuschieri and Silvio Parnis were appointed representatives of the parliamentary group on the national executive of the Malta Labour Party.