[attach id=381083 size="medium"]Robert Henry Bugeja[/attach]
The Labour candidate who sparked controversy after posting a series of anti-migration statements has resigned from the party after Prime Minister Joseph Muscat objected to his views, The Sunday Times of Malta has learnt.
Robert Henry Bugeja, who contested last Thursday’s casual election on the PL ticket, raised eyebrows when he posted a series of comments on Facebook urging the public not to donate to the President’s annual fund raiser, l-Istrina.
In one post he claimed President Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca was forcing Maltese to integrate with African migrants whom he accused of “stealing Maltese jobs” and enjoying preferential treatment when it came to social benefits.
Another post featured a photo of a boat packed with irregular migrants with the caption ‘President’s charity ride’.
A spokesman for Dr Muscat told this newspaper the Prime Minister “does not agree with such views and thus is not comfortable with anyone expressing them in any forum”.
The spokesman said that Mr Bugeja had withdrawn his candidature and resigned from the Labour Party.
The Prime Minister does not agree with such views
Mr Bugeja was hoping to fill the parliamentary seat left vacant by European Commissioner Karmenu Vella.
The seat was taken up by former MP Joseph Farrugia, known as Il-Farrell, who returned to the House for the first time since the Alfred Sant administration between 1996 and 1998.
Social Dialogue Minister Helena Dalli also distanced herself from Mr Bugeja’s comments, saying she would not have felt comfortable sitting beside Mr Bugeja in Parliament had he been elected last week.
Social Solidarity Minister Michael Farrugia said Mr Bugeja’s views directly contradicted the work the government had undertaken to improve migrant integration, particularly in the case of unaccompanied minors.
While stressing Mr Bugeja was entitled to his opinions, he said these did not tally with the government’s position and policy. Expressing such views while representing the government, would have resulted in action being taken by the party whip, Dr Farrugia added.
Describing the comments as cause for “extremely serious concern”, human rights NGO Aditus director Neil Falzon stressed the responsibility borne by individuals and organisations in a position of public influence.
“Mr Bugeja’s messages of hatred, ridiculing the President and encouraging social selfishness are far from the mature, sensitive and constructive dialogue needed,” he said.