They wrote that the motion followed several requests to provide information on “suspicious and potentially irregular expenditures” made by the mayor. However, PL and independent councillors remained “in the dark” and amid this, were asked to approve payments “month after month.”

“There are so many shortcomings in financial management that although the Auditor General drew attention to several shortcomings, they remained unaddressed. Moreover, the 2024 financial report has not yet been finalised or submitted.”

The party went on to dismiss the PN’s criticism that the motion is an “attack on democracy”, as stated by PN Secretary General Charles Bonello and Shadow Minister for Public Administration Claudette Buttigieg both of whom asked Labour to substantiate its claims.

PN representatives further argued that the Labour Party is attempting to seize control of the Council against the wishes of the residents outlined in the ballot box. In fact, they stated that residents are understood to have begun collecting signatures in support of the current Mayor.

The motion further nominated PL councillor Mariah Meli as mayor even though she received half the votes of Gauci in June.

Moreover, the PL argued that this motion is being done in accordance to the Local Government Act and that it needs to be approved by the council before it comes into force.

“Democracy calls for obtaining numbers, but it also requires maintaining those numbers – something the Nationalist Party failed to do in the case of Għargħur when a few weeks ago it lost the majority and ended up with 2 Councillors representing PN, 2 Councillors on behalf of the Labour Party and an Independent Councillor.”

“The Labour and Independent Councillors who put forward the vote of no confidence in the Mayor would have failed the residents if they had not done so and are observing the oath they took in their appointment to act without fear or favour. They are doing this as a personal sacrifice for them.”