Former Nationalist MP Karl Gouder is looking forward to his term as St Julian’s mayor, describing the post as one which will bring him closer to people and their needs.

The 36-year-old was elected mayor for the first time yesterday with 1,040 first count votes. Between 2010 and 2013 he served as an MP after being co-opted to succeed Michael Frendo, who had been elected Speaker. He had also served as vice mayor between 2005 and 2010.

“It’s a new challenge which really gives me a kick,” he said, after being lifted up by a cheering crowd. “I love politics as it gives me the opportunity to improve people’s lives. And if there’s an advantage of being a councillor over being a member of parliament, it’s being closer to people and their needs.”

As mayor he will be tackling the challenges brought about by Paceville, traffic and parking problems as well as maintaining cleanliness and high quality infrastructure.

PN Gżira councillor Graziella Schembri. Photo: Jason Borg

Meanwhile, TV presenter Graziella Schembri, better known as Graziella Attard Previ, was elected as a Gżira councillor with 578 first count votes in her first foray into politics.

A social worker by profession, she is the president of the party’s Equal Opportunities Forum. Coupled with her involvement in presenting a programme on Net TV in the run up to the 2013 general elections, her 2014 appointment as forum president opened up a window of opportunity for her to submit herself as candidate, she said.

Gżira is plagued by both infrastructural and social problems, she explained. The former included pavements, parking, traffic, cleanliness and safe public spaces and gardens.

Police patrols also need to be increased.

Gżira was also grappling with an increasingly ageing population that required day centres which could also double up as night shelters.

Other issues included improving accessibility for people with a disability, such as Braille signage and special flooring.

Children and youths also needed adequate spaces for recreation, she added.

Asked about her view on the problem of prostitution, Ms Schembri said that she had not given it much thought, adding that she will be awaiting the discussion preceding possible legislation changes towards its legalisation.