Jason Micallef: ‘Where Has Robert Abela Displayed A Lack Of Excitement For My Candidature?’
Jason Micallef has dismissed suggestions that Prime Minister Robert Abela has displayed a lack of enthusiasm for his candidature as PL Deputy Leader of Party Affairs.
Micallef spoke to Illum after Abela appeared to display scepticism about Micallef’s candidature in a Lovin Malta interview. Asked whether he would like to see Micallef elected as deputy leader, Abela took a cautious stance, urging PL delegates not to “turn the clock back” and to ensure the party is “appealing to moderates”.
Illum told Micallef that Abela “isn’t excited with his interest in the role” and asked him how he can work with the Prime Minister “if they aren’t 100% compatible with each other”.
“On the contrary,” Micallef responded. “Where has Robert Abela indicated that he isn’t excited by my candidature? God forbid we reach a point where the leader displays, in your words, excitement towards one candidate and not towards all the others.”
“This wouldn’t be in the PL’s interest and God forbid that had to happen. I never saw myself as incompatible with Robert Abela, and therefore there is no issue in this regard. If this was the case, there wouldn’t be many people encouraging me to contest.”
He also played down suggestions that former Prime Minister Joseph Muscat is backing his candidature.
“As far as I know, Joseph Muscat hasn’t declared that he is going to support my candidature and that’s what he should continue doing until the elections in mid-September.”
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