Former Prime Minister Dom Mintoff was among the political figures that dominated Malta’s political scene for more than 50 years, the Nationalist Party said yesterday.

“The differences that existed between the PN and Mr Mintoff, throughout his political career, are well known.

“At this point in time the PN sends its condolences to Mr Mintoff’s family and to the Labour Party,” it said.

Following news of Mr Mintoff’s death, on Monday night, several political parties, unions and organisations sent condolence messages.

Alternattiva Demokratika chairman Michael Briguglio said: “Mr Mintoff was one of Malta’s most important political figures and he will be remembered for progressive reforms, such as the construction of a welfare state, despite his controversial behaviour, such as his authoritarian governance.”

The Campaign for National Independence (CNI), a movement co-founded by Mr Mintoff when already in his 80s to fight EU membership, said Malta had lost a son who loved his country and worked so that its people lived decent and dignified lives.

The General Workers’ Union said workers ought to be saddened by the death of Mr Mintoff, who taught them how to fight for their rights. Building on this, the Union Ħaddiema Magħqudin said Mr Mintoff worked hard to obtain these rights.

The list of condolences included many other constituted bodies such as the Forum Unions Maltin, the Chamber of Small and Medium Enterprises – GRTU, the Malta Hotels and Restaurants’ Association, the Malta Developers’ Association, as well as the Local Council Association and student organisations Pulse and the University Students’ Council.

The Communist Party of Malta also sent a statement paying a tribute to Mr Mintoff.