‘I’m not scared’: Gozo Candidate’s Vandalised Banner Speaks Louder Than Words

It’s a chilly evening in Xagħra, Gozo. A lone figure, armed with a can of spray paint, sneaks into the quiet street where the Nationalist Party’s (PN) candidate’s banner stands tall. The figure isn’t there to admire the campaign message, but to vandalise it. The words “I’m not scared” now echo louder than the graffiti that marred the candidate’s promise.

Vandalism in the Name of Politics

The incident, caught on CCTV, has sparked outrage among PN supporters and political observers alike. The candidate, Marthese Portelli, has been vocal about her commitment to Gozo’s development and social issues. Her banner, now defaced, was a symbol of her resolve. “This is not just an attack on me,” she says, “it’s an attack on democracy and freedom of expression.”

Vandalism during election season is not new in Malta. But this incident, happening in the quiet, close-knit community of Xagħra, has left many shocked. “We’ve always had our differences,” says a long-time resident, “but this? This is a new low.”

Political Reactions and Condemnations

The Labour Party (PL), PN’s political rival, was quick to condemn the act. “Vandalism has no place in politics,” says PL’s spokesperson. Even the independent candidate in the same constituency has spoken out against the incident, calling it “an attack on our democratic process.”

PN’s leader, Adrian Delia, has visited Portelli, pledging his party’s support. “We will not be intimidated,” he says, “We will not be silenced.” The police, meanwhile, are investigating the incident, with the CCTV footage being a key lead.

Community Response and

Xagħra’s residents have rallied behind Portelli. A group of volunteers has already started cleaning the banner, turning the act of vandalism into a symbol of unity. “We won’t let this divide us,” says one volunteer, “We’re Gozo. We stand together.”

As the election season heats up, Portelli remains undeterred. “I’m not scared,” she says, echoing the words now painted on her banner. “I’m more determined than ever to fight for Gozo, for our values, and for our democracy.”

In the heart of Xagħra, under the now-cleaned banner, a small crowd gathers. They’re not there to protest, but to show solidarity. Their presence speaks volumes, louder than any graffiti, louder than any fear. They’re there to say, “We’re not scared either.”