Labour Party MP and potential future leadership contender Robert Abela has issued a strong rallying cry for serious long term change to finally take place in the country, while Malta comes to grips with the current political crisis.

“We don’t need cosmetic changes, we need to change our very foundations. There’s no choice but do so.”

“We need to introduce discipline across the board, in every level, from top to bottom,” Abela said in a facebook post.

The changes, he said, had to be carefully considered and were neither reactive or impulsive.

Over the past ten days, major businessman Yorgen Fenech has been arrested as a key suspect in the assassination of Daphne Caruana Galizia, while former Prime Minister’s Chief of Staff has been arrested in connection with the case.  Tourism Minister Konrad Mizzi has resigned, while Economy Minister Chris Cardona has stepped down.

Several protests have been taking place. However, Abela insisted that change does “not come in public manisfetations”, criticising  Simon Busuttil, Karol Aquilina and Jason Azzopard for  perceived political opportunism.

“Change comes when politicians leave behind their ego, stop adoring public appearances,  and work in silence,” he said.

Abela insisted that the decisions taken so far meant that the Labour Party will come out stronger. However, he expressed his deep regret for the many Labour Party supporters hurt by the “arrogance” of some members of his party.

“There are too many good people in the PL who want to see the country changes for the better.”

“There are those who were ready to work but were alienated by the party to give space to opportunists,” Abela explained.

He still insisted that the PL remained the best choice to lead the country, echoing Deputy Prime Minister’s declarations that the government will continue on until the end of the legislature.