MPs on the Bench: Who’s Out of the Race So Far?

As the political scene in Malta heats up, with the next general election just around the corner, it’s time to take a look at who’s still in the game and who’s already out of the running. We’ve crunched the numbers and spoken to insiders to bring you this exclusive list of MPs who won’t be defending their seats in the upcoming election.

Retiring MPs: Time to Hang Up Their Boots

First, let’s look at the MPs who have decided to call it a day. These experienced politicians have served their constituencies well, but they’ve chosen to step back from the political arena. Topping this list is Simon Busuttil, the former Opposition Leader, who announced his retirement from politics earlier this year. Busuttil, who represented the 13th District (San Ġwann, Ibraġ, and part of Msida), leaves behind big shoes to fill.

Another high-profile retirement comes from Michael Falzon, the MP for the 12th District (Birkirkara and part of Msida). Falzon, a veteran politician, has been a constant presence in Maltese politics for over three decades. His decision to retire has left his party scrambling to find a suitable replacement.

MPs Ousted by Their Own Party: A Ruthless Game

In Malta’s political scene, loyalty to one’s party often trumps individual ambition. This was evident in the recent party conventions where some MPs found themselves unceremoniously dumped from their parties’ candidate lists. The most notable casualty was Claudette Buttigieg, the MP for the 10th District (Zejtun, Marsaxlokk, and part of Żabbar), who was sensationally dropped by the Labour Party.

Buttigieg’s ouster through Maltese politics, not least because she was a vocal critic of her party’s handling of the Panama Papers scandal. Her removal has raised questions about the Labour Party’s tolerance for dissent and its commitment to internal democracy.

MPs Who Lost Their Seats in the Last Election: Learning from Defeat

For some MPs, the last general election was a bitter pill to swallow. They tasted defeat and are now eager to redeem themselves. Among them is Beppe Fenech Adami, the former MP for the 7th District (Mosta, part of Rabat, and part of Mgarr). Fenech Adami, a veteran Nationalist Party politician, lost his seat in the 2017 election but has since been selected as his party’s candidate for the upcoming election.

Another MP looking to bounce back is Roderick Galdes, the former MP for the 11th District (Zurrieq, part of Żejtun, and part of Marsaxlokk). Galdes, who lost his seat in the 2017 election, has been selected as his party’s candidate for the upcoming election. He’s been busy campaigning, knocking on doors, and listening to his constituents’ concerns.

As the political scene in Malta continues to evolve, one thing is clear: the upcoming general election promises to be a hotly contested affair. With these MPs out of the running, the stage is set for a new generation of politicians to step up and make their mark. But with the political scene shifting rapidly, anything can happen between now and election day.

Stay tuned to Hot Malta for all the latest updates and analysis on the upcoming general election. And remember, your vote matters. Make sure you’re registered and ready to cast your ballot on election day.