Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1526110
maltatoday | SUNDAY • 1 SEPTEMBER 2024 4 INTERVIEW Alex Sciberras: 'Labour must face the difficult questions' THERE are "legitimate questions about gov- ernance" on the Labour Party's time in govern- ment that need to be addressed, Alex Sciberras believes. The former Msida mayor is running for the post of PL president in a two-horse race with former TVM head of news Norma Saliba. The election will be held on 13 September. In an interview with MaltaToday, Sciberras speaks candidly about the uncomfortable di- alogue that is needed about governance is- sues that have plagued the government since 2013. He believes this dialogue is the only way to prevent the party's natural death, but insists it is also the wish of party delegates who have spoken to him during this short campaign. Sciberras says the PL must not forget its socialist foundations but warns against the party shutting its doors to outsiders and moderates. When asked what the PL's position on Jo- seph Muscat should be, he says the former leader "cannot be cancelled" as he is an inte- gral part of the party's and country's history. But he acknowledges that a discussion must be had when looking at Muscat's legacy such as the Vitals case. Several people, including Joseph Muscat, have been charged with corruption in the Vitals case, a situation prompted by the con- clusions of a magisterial inquiry. I ask Sci- berras whether the Prime Minister's outburst against the judiciary and journalists when the inquiry was concluded at the start of the electoral campaign was appropriate. Choos- ing his words carefully, Sciberras notes that while one can be critical of institutions such as the courts and the media, these should never be attacked. When asked what he can offer to his party if elected president, he promises to be a person with whom one can discuss and work with. Alex Sciberras, who is contesting the Labour Party's internal election for the role of president, believes the party must confront and discuss difficult questions about its recent history. He speaks to Matthew Farrugia. It's true that the economy is growing and there are more jobs, more money in people's pockets but they feel like they're working more, even because of the pressure associated with work, and they don't have the quality of life that they want.