“I am addressing the video currently circulating in which I am seen insulting a Government Minister,” the Qormi mayor wrote.

“I want to clarify that the video is old, recorded during a public Council meeting,” he continued, acknowledging, “I fully accept that my remarks are inexcusable.”

“Such vulgar language is never acceptable, particularly towards someone who has consistently made significant and positive contributions.”

He added, “I would like to take this opportunity to extend a personal apology to Minister Dalli and also to apologise publicly.”

“We have always maintained a good working relationship with Minister Dalli, who has always worked for the benefit of our locality and the country,” Masini Vento concluded.

The leaked footage captures Masini Vento, who is standing for re-election in Saturday’s local council elections on the Labour ticket, harshly criticising Environment Minister Miriam Dalli as an “incompetent clown” and calling for her resignation.

During the official council meeting, the mayor is seen in a heated exchange with Donnah Barbara, Qormi’s deputy mayor and private secretary to Minister Dalli, as they discuss the newly introduced plastic bottle refund system, commonly referred to as BCRS.

It was amid this contentious debate that Mayor Masini Vento erupted into a scathing tirade against the minister.

The timing of the leak is particularly problematic for the mayor, who is vying for re-election in this Saturday’s local council election.

Miriam Dalli has not yet made any statements regarding the incident.

What do you make of the Qormi mayor’s apology?