[attach id=244289 size="medium"]Wealthy businessman Raymond Bugeja is aiming for the top spot. Photo: Darrin Zammit Lupi[/attach]
Raymond Bugeja is a twice-divorced wealthy businessman who spent most of his life in Milan and now, at 61, wants to dedicate the years ahead to his home country as leader of the Nationalist Party.
Online commentators have already pointed out the uncanny biographical similarities between him and former Italian premier Silvio Berlusconi, but he insists the two are nothing alike.
“I am no Berlusconi. I certainly do not share his lifestyle, even though he did lead the longest serving government in Italy and did many things that were right,” he says at the end of an interview at the Hilton, close to one of the restaurants he owns.
“I’m not getting into politics for anything except the privilege of serving the people.”
Mr Bugeja is audaciously eyeing the top job of the PN, even though he has never been active in its structures except as a lifelong member and a contributor to the PN’s think tank AŻAD for a short stint.
I don’t like to discuss my private life. But I am well-off, yes
Born and bred in St Dominic’s Street in Sliema, Mr Bugeja left the island when he was 21, making his fortune in various companies abroad, including as the financial manager of news organisation Reuters.
Is he a millionaire?
“I don’t like to discuss my private life. But I am well-off, yes,” he replies.
An accountant by profession, Mr Bugeja set up investment management company Kairos in 1999 in Milan, where he obtained Italian citizenship.
He returned to Malta three years ago and decided to start a more “philanthropic” life, which includes being decorated a Commander of the Order of Malta in appreciation of his financial donations. Mr Bugeja, who has a son in the UK, is also planning to marry his fiancée Sara Grech, of real estate fame. But his main aim at the moment is to succeed Lawrence Gonzi as leader of the Nationalist Party, which he considers to be his “family”.
“I’m drawn to the philanthropic concept of serving my country, however much of a cliché that may be,” he says with a smile.
Daringly, he is going straight for the top spot, rather than working his way through the party structures.
“If I came back to Malta at 30, I would have (worked my way up), but having come back at my age and with my experience, the logical post to go for, without arrogance, is as the leader of the party,” he says.
He does not think he is too old for the role, pointing out that former US President Ronald Reagan got there at 70 and retired at 78.
“Age will bring wisdom and I’m reasonably active for my age,” he says. “The good thing about it is that it comes with an expiry date.”
Mr Bugeja describes himself as a “conservative with a liberal heart and a capitalist with a social heart”.
Asked to give a tangible example, he broaches the topic of gay marriage.
“I believe that two people who love each other and want to form a union that is formalised by the State should be allowed to do so, though I wouldn’t call it marriage not to enter into a collision course with the Church.”
Mr Bugeja has set up a Facebook page to gauge the feedback to his potential candidature and posted a number of “reflections” that have already sparked controversy, such as whether the party should change its name to the Maltese People’s Party.
“The posts in my Facebook page were reflections. I was just trying to invite thought, so some are also provocative. I like the PN’s flag, emblem and name, but I was asking people what they think.”
He also questioned whether the leader should be chosen by councillors or the election opened to party members, but he quickly clarifies that he will not pass judgement on party structures until he analyses them in detail.
I’m drawn to the philanthropic concept of serving my country
“However, I think changes are needed. The members do not feel they are actively participating,” he says.
His vision is to open up the party, first to its members and then to those on the outside.
“This was one of the Government’s shortfalls. It was very busy and it did not stay in touch with some people.” He says he has great respect for Dr Gonzi’s “macro” achievements, ensuring Malta was well-placed compared to other EU countries. However, he thinks the 1,500-vote difference obtained by the PN in 2008 was “underestimated”.
He believes the election was lost primarily because the people wanted a change after having the same Government for a long time but the size of the defeat was due also to the campaign and the fact that people did not feel part of the party.
What does he think of Prime Minister Joseph Muscat?
“Joseph brought a wave of new ideas, Obama-style. I think Joseph brought a breath of fresh air and I think the campaign we conducted was to some extent derogatory.”
Mr Bugeja said he had met Dr Muscat when he came back to Malta because he wanted to analyse the arguments of both sides.
Ultimately, however, he wanted to remain true to his Nationalist blood.
“I am a Nationalist so if I can contribute within my traditional family I will. My aim is my country.”
To qualify as a candidate, Mr Bugeja must be nominated by 10 councillors but he is hopeful that these signatures can be obtained.