One of the five candidates hoping to occupy the seat in Parliament vacated by new European Commissioner Karmenu Vella is urging people not to donate to L-Istrina, claiming the money will be spent on “supporting illegal migration” and not on Maltese society.

Labour Party candidate Robert Henry Bugeja raised eyebrows on social media in recent days with a number of online posts voicing anti-migration sentiments.

One such post features a photo of a vessel loaded with irregular migrants with the caption “President’s charity ride”.

In another post, Mr Bugeja claimed President Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca was forcing Maltese people to integrate with African migrants whom he accused of “stealing Maltese jobs” and enjoying preferential treatment when it comes to social benefits.

“If you like to support illegal immigration in your country then donate to L-Istrina,” he said in another post.

Asked why he was urging people not to donate to the fundraiser, Mr Bugeja told Times of Malta he felt politicians should not promote migrant integration, particularly when this was funded through taxes. Instead, he said, the money should be spent on those members of Maltese society who really need financial help. Questions sent to Labour about the online comments were unanswered at the time of writing.

Meanwhile, Ms Coleiro Preca condemned any form of racism, insisting the Maltese were anything but racist. She would not comment on Mr Bugeja’s calls to boycott the popular annual Boxing Day fundraising marathon.

Asked how she felt about the possibility of Mr Bugeja representing the Maltese in Parliament, Ms Coleiro Preca said the decision on who to elect to Parliament rested solely with the electorate.

The other candidates contesting the casual election tomorrow are Marsascala mayor Mario Calleja, former MP Joseph Farrugia (Il-Farell), Marsaxlokk mayor Edrick Micallef and former MP Anthony Zammit.