The Labour Party yesterday “completely” dissociated itself from far-right political figure Norman Lowell, labelling him a racist and an extremist.
Mr Lowell, who heads the political movement Imperium Europa, last week conditionally endorsed the Labour Party following its leader’s strong words on immigration.
But it seems Mr Lowell’s newfound respect for Labour leader Joseph Muscat is not reciprocal.
“The PL completely disassociates itself from Norman Lowell’s xenophobic and racist views,” a party spokesman told The Times.
The spokesman added that Mr Lowell’s reaction was exactly why Labour chose to speak up on the issue of immigration.
“We believe a mainstream political party should lead on immigration, and not leave the subject to far-right extremists. Our stand is, and will always be, to be tough where it matters and in the right fora. Immigration is a challenge Labour will face strongly by keeping in mind the realities of our small island.”
In a You Tube message last week, Mr Lowell said Dr Muscat’s heart seemed to be beating in the right place and, if he remained strong, he would get his movement’s backing.
He was referring to controversial statements made recently, where Dr Muscat praised Italy for defending its national interest by blocking a boat with 171 African immigrants on board from entering Lampedusa on April 7. Dr Muscat said Malta should also defend its national interest. He later shrugged off criticism that his words sounded like those of a far-right politician, saying that defending the national interest did not mean letting people drown.
“Talking about national interest and security should not be the monopoly of extreme right parties. We have to stop believing that whoever speaks of the national interest is racist or xenophobic,” the Labour leader said. Mr Lowell, who has already been convicted of inciting racial hatred, claims the two main political parties had agreed to keep mum on the immigration issue for the 2008 general election and the 2009 MEP elections.
Dr Muscat did not refer to immigration during his Worker’s Day speech on Sunday evening.