‘This Is Not About Me’: Karl Gouder’s Last Message Two Days Ago Spoke About ‘Challenging And Exciting Times’
The sudden death of 45-year-old PN official Karl Gouder has sent shockwaves throughout Malta’s political landscape and beyond, with his final status posted just 48 hours ago now serving as a heartbreaking testament to his dedication and drive.
“These are challenging and exciting times, both for myself and the Party,” Gouder wrote on Sunday morning, shortly after declaring his intention to contest for the role of PN secretary general. “A word of enormous thanks to Bernard Grech for his trust shown in me and to Michael Piccinino for your guidance and leadership over the past three years.”
“This is not about me, but about all of us, together.”
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A very well-respected figure within the party, Gouder was active within the PN in various roles.
A former mayor of St Julian’s who first contested the local council elections back in 2005 but started out his political career as a treasurer and later president of the university students’ council KSU, Gouder was also PN MP between 2010 and 2013, then again between 2015 and 2022.
More recently, Gouder was PN’s campaign manager for last June’s MEP and Local Council elections. He had also held the role of Chief Operations officer of PN’s Net Media.
Earlier today, Gouder was found dead in Valletta and his death isn’t being treated as suspicious.
Loved and respected by politicians from both sides of the aisle, Gouder is being remembered for his integrity and commitment.
Calling him “a dedicated person holding various important positions within the structures of the Nationalist Party and also in its media”, Opposition Leader Bernard Grech wrote in his tribute to “our friend”.
“We became true friends in our school days and we grew up together,” Prime Minister Robert Abela wrote. “Later on we became colleagues in Parliament. Even though we sat on opposite benches, our childhood friendship always remained.”
And whether it was European Parliament President Roberta Metsola or political rivals like Jason Micallef and Owen Bonnici, everyone came together to post heartbreaking tributes to the 45-year-old.
Lovin Malta extends its condolences to Gouder’s family and loved ones during these difficult times.
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