Abela’s Unlikely Ally: The ‘Smuggler’ and Malta’s Maritime Past
Abela’s Unlikely Ally: The ‘Smuggler’ and Malta’s Maritime Past
Picture this: Malta’s Prime Minister, Robert Abela, standing shoulder to shoulder with a man once dubbed the ‘smuggler king of Malta’. It’s not your typical political alliance, but then again, Malta’s maritime history is anything but typical. The man in question, Alfred Degiorgio, has a past as colourful as the island’s own history, and his recent endorsement of Abela’s Labour Party has raised eyebrows across the country.
From Smuggling to Politics: Degiorgio’s Journey
Degiorgio’s story is a tale as old as Malta itself. Born into a fishing family in the coastal town of Marsaxlokk, he turned to smuggling in the 1980s, when Malta’s economy was struggling and opportunities were scarce. He became notorious for his audacious runs, evading customs officials to bring in everything from cigarettes to electronics. But Degiorgio was no ordinary smuggler. He was a folk hero, a symbol of defiance against an oppressive system.
His legend grew, and so did his wealth. He invested in property, including a sprawling villa in the upscale town of Madliena, and even opened a popular restaurant, ‘Il-Ktieb’ (The Book), in the heart of Valletta. But his past caught up with him in 2016 when he was arrested and later convicted for his smuggling activities.
Abela’s Gamble: The Political Endorsement
Fast forward to 2022, and Degiorgio finds himself in the unusual position of political endorser. In a video posted online, he praised Abela’s Labour Party, saying they were the ones who had helped him when he was down. Abela, in turn, has been quick to distance himself from Degiorgio’s past, focusing instead on his support for the party’s policies.
But the endorsement has sparked debate. Some see it as a shrewd move by Abela, tapping into Degiorgio’s everyman appeal and the Labour Party’s traditional support among Malta’s working class. Others, however, are uncomfortable with the association, given Degiorgio’s criminal past.
Abela, for his part, has been steadfast. “We believe in second chances,” he told reporters. “Alfred Degiorgio has paid his debt to society. Now, he’s a taxpayer, a businessman, and a voter like anyone else.”
Malta’s Maritime Past and the Politics of Today
Degiorgio’s story is a microcosm of Malta’s own journey. An island nation with a history of resilience and resourcefulness, Malta has always had a complex relationship with the law. From the Knights of St John to the British colonial era, Malta’s people have often found themselves at odds with authority. Today, that spirit of defiance is reflected in a political culture that prizes independence and personal freedom.
Abela, a lawyer by training, understands this better than most. His party’s slogan, ‘Il-Partit Laburista – Il-Partit tal-Poplu’ (The Labour Party – The Party of the People), is a testament to this. By embracing Degiorgio, Abela is sending a clear message: he’s on the side of the people, warts and all.
, the Degiorgio endorsement will continue to spark debate. But one thing is clear: it’s a reminder of Malta’s complex, often contradictory, maritime past, and how that past continues to shape the island’s politics today.
