Former prime minister Karmenu Mifsud Bonnici.Former prime minister Karmenu Mifsud Bonnici.

Former leader Karmenu Mifsud Bonnici was admitted to hospital for observation yesterday.

Sources said he was complaining of shortness of breath, was admitted for tests and later had surgery. His condition is not known.

Prime Minister Joseph Muscat broke the news from Rome when he tweeted: “All the best to former PM and Labour leader Karmenu Mifsud Bonnici, who has been hospitalised. I hope he will get well soon.”

A lawyer by profession, Dr Mifsud Bonnici, 80, succeeded the late Dom Mintoff as prime minister and Labour Party leader in 1984.

He served until 1987 when the Nationalist Party won the election, but stayed on as Labour leader until 1992, when he was succeeded by Alfred Sant.

Dr Mifsud Bonnici remains renowned for his stand against Malta’s EU membership.

Together with Mr Mintoff, he founded the Campaign for National Independence.

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