Żabbar Mayor Says Resident Assaulted Him After He Visited His Home To Solve A Noise Problem
Żabbar mayor Jorge Grech said he was assaulted by a resident after personally visiting his home to help solve a construction-related noise problem in his street.
“There isn’t much tolerance and respect left in our country,” Grech reflected after the incident. “During my tenure as mayor, I have always accepted criticism and even hard and sometimes harsh comments – I’d read them, observe and analyse them and help out where possible.
“However, what happened yesterday evening crossed the line.”
Grech said that last night he discovered messages on his phone, as well as 24 missed calls from the same number, complaining about loud noises from a sheet of metal that had been placed in their street during construction works.
The mayor said he picked up a wedge at his own home and visited the concerned resident so as to personally fix the sheet in place and allow him to sleep in peace.
However, the furious resident assaulted the mayor and tried to place his hands on him, all while insulting his living and deceased relatives. His own family had to intervene to drag him back inside his home quickly.
“Despite everything and the situations we face every day, I look forward to keep working in the best interests of Żabbar,” Grech said.
The incident was widely condemned, with Local Councils Association President Mario Fava decrying the lack of respect shown by a few people towards councillors and mayors who give some of their time to help communities.
“Mayors and councillors are elected officials and deserve respect from everyone, not only because are they representatives of the people but because they are human beings who dedicate their free time towards helping out their communities rather than staying with their own families or generating more personal income,” Fava said.
“The Association condemns these shameful acts and takes the opportunity to express its appreciation and thanks to those residents who, along with their respective local councils, take decisions in the interest of their localities. This synergy is local democracy in practice.”
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