Former parliamentary secretary Franco Mercieca to attempt political comeback
Franco Mercieca: From Strada Karannat to Parliament’s Backbenches?
In the heart of Birkirkara, at the bustling Strada Karannat, Franco Mercieca’s name still echoes. Once a parliamentary secretary, now a familiar face in local coffee shops, Mercieca is attempting a political comeback. But can he recapture the magic that once propelled him to the corridors of power?
From Cabinet to Coffee Shops
Mercieca’s political journey is a tale of meteoric rise and sudden fall. Elected in 2017, he served as parliamentary secretary for the Ministry of Education and Employment. But a mere two years later, he was forced to resign amidst allegations of corruption. Now, he’s eyeing a return, aiming to represent Birkirkara South in the upcoming local council elections.
“Politics is like a game of chess,” Mercieca told Hot Malta over a cappuccino at his favorite haunt, Café La Strada. “You might lose a few pieces, but it’s not over until the game is won.”
Birkirkara: A Tale of Two Francos
Birkirkara, Malta’s most populous locality, is a tale of two Francos. There’s the Franco of yesteryears, the young, ambitious politician who promised change. Then there’s the Franco of today, the man who admits to mistakes, who’s spent the last few years rebuilding his image.
Mercieca’s rival in the upcoming elections is no stranger to the political scene. Charles Azzopardi, a veteran Labour Party member, is confident of his chances. “Birkirkara has moved on,” he told Hot Malta. “People want fresh faces, new ideas. Franco represents the past, not the future.”
Can Franco Rewrite His Story?
Mercieca, however, is undeterred. He’s been knocking on doors, listening to constituents, promising to focus on local issues like traffic congestion and housing. “I’ve made mistakes,” he admits, “but I’ve learned from them. I’m not the same Franco who entered politics five years ago.”
His supporters, like 65-year-old retiree Maria Grech, believe in his redemption. “Franco was a good parliamentary secretary,” she says, sitting outside her apartment in Birkirkara’s Old Bakery Street. “He made mistakes, yes, but who doesn’t? I’ll vote for him.”
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