Former prime minister Karmenu Mifsud Bonnici remains in stable condition at Mater Dei Hospital’s intensive therapy unit.

Dr Mifsud Bonnici, 80, was yesterday seen speaking to visitors at his bedside, albeit briefly.

Sources close to the former Labour leader said he was being kept under observation following complications arising from a planned operation a week ago to treat a pre-existing condition related to his prostate. He underwent another operation on Wednesday.

Dr Mifsud Bonnici, a lawyer by profession, succeeded the late Dom Mintoff as prime minister and Labour Party leader in 1984 and served as prime minister until 1987. In 1992 he was succeeded as Labour leader by Alfred Sant.

He is a Eurosceptic and heads the Campaign for National Independence, which he founded.

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