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Maltese Internet Sensation Franklin Barbara Does Not Rule Out Politics

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Franklin Barbara won’t rule out a political career but he hates the “highly polarised, mud-slinging set up of the local political scene”. 

The internet sensation who gained fame for his intense Facebook campaign to become president of the Malta Union of Teachers is not bitter about losing the contest by just six votes.

“I am not disappointed at the result since it seems that there are competing views within the same union and voters naturally aligned themselves almost equally with the relative exponents. I think it is healthy for any organisation to have different viewpoints and ideas if they are all taken into account,” he told Lovin Malta.

Barbara endeared the public with his badly-photoshopped campaign images that were sponsored heavily on Facebook to everyone, even non-teachers. He said it was amazing to have received such popular support. 

“I am truly overwhelmed by the massive support garnered for my campaign both from educators and the general public. Following the announcement of the result, I was literally inundated by calls and messages of support and disbelief at the same time. Although my campaign was mainly focused on educators, it seems that it caught significant public interest and support,” he said.

“It is heartening to receive messages that if anything my campaign served ‘to introduce the term empowerment in local educational vocabulary’ just to quote one message.”

“I have various options and I am keeping them all open but first I have to have my break.”

Barbara said he was now going to take a short break to revitalise himself before starting his “next venture” though he wouldn’t say what his plans entail.

“I have various options and I am keeping them all open but first I have to have my break. After ten years of almost non-stop union work, I do need some time to rest. I loved working on members’ issues and the plight of educators remains an issue close to my heart.”

Many have urged Barbara to take his unorthodox campaign tactics to the political scene, perhaps for the European Parliament elections. 

“At the time being, I am not considering politics since I do not like the highly polarized, highly charged, mud-slinging set-up of the local political scene. I love being at the service of fellow citizens but I do not wish to get embroiled in the ‘dirty mechanics’ of the local political milieu. One can be of service to others in many other ways. This said, however, I remember the wise Italian saying “never say never”.  Things may change and time is one of the greatest teachers.”

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Christian is an award-winning journalist and entrepreneur who founded Lovin Malta, a new media company dedicated to creating positive impact in society. He is passionate about justice, public finances and finding ways to build a better future.

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