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SAVIOUR BALZAN THE President of the Republic Marie Louise Coleiro Preca (pic- tured) , has personally called on representatives of both political par- ties to address the political tension and to seek ways of defusing it. An aide to the President confirmed with this newspaper that a number of meetings took place with party representatives, with Coleiro Preca expressing concern at the political situation since a show of force took place at the law courts when Nationalist MP Jason Azzopardi was arraigned on charges of criminal defamation. Coleiro Preca met with secretary-generals and party presidents from the Nationalist and Labour parties to discuss the matter. "She told both parties that they had to avoid a return to the 1980s when political tension led to unnecessary suffering for many families," the source told MaltaToday. This very week, Coleiro Preca intervened with Independent MP Marlene Farrugia, a former Labour MP, who is the part- ner of Labour whip Godfrey Farrugia, after having de- clared that she would be at- tending the Labour party's workers' day rally today. Coleiro Preca called on Farrugia to consider going back on her decision, to avoid any potential flare-up at the rally after the MP had only two weeks ago addressed a Nationalist Party meeting calling for the resignation of Joseph Muscat, Konrad Mizzi and Keith Schembri. This newspaper is informed that Coleiro Preca told Farrugia that "we're both mothers with family and country at heart" – Farrugia later declared she would not be attending. MFSA: BANNISTER UNDER PRESSURE MATTHEW VELLA THE former Labour dep- uty leader for party affairs Toni Abela is being touted for co-option to the House of Representatives, as the party attempts to woo him back to his original post- ing. Abela had stepped down from his post after being nominated by Prime Min- ister Joseph Muscat as a member to the European Court of Auditors. But a lacklustre perfor- mance in his hearing be- fore MEPs of the budget- ary control committee resulted in Abela being turned down for the ECA post. Party delegates and even Muscat's advisers have urged Abela to consider returning to his original post, which now lies va- cant after the resignation of Konrad Mizzi since Muscat reshuff led his Cabinet in response to the Panama Papers rev- elations. A source close to Mus- cat has told MaltaToday that Abela is even being touted for co-option to the House now that Leo Brincat has been nomi- nated to the European Court of Auditors. Co-option would be possible only if nobody runs in the casual election for the parliamentary seat Brincat will be vacating. "Abela's return to the party leadership can only be interpreted as posi- tive," the source told Mal- t a T o - day. Newspaper post CHAMPIONS! VALLETTA FC CLAIM PREMIERSHIP €1.40 CHAMPIONS! President to parties: turn down the heat Meet the Passport King Christian Kalin, the man who convinced Labour to put Maltese citizenship on sale 16 PAGE 3 Toni Abela in the House? The former deputy leader is touted for co-option as Muscat attempts a reconsolidation of his party. PHOTO: RAY ATTARD FREE WITH MALTATODAY Renewed political criticism, Nemea warnings, and missed meetings • New financial services arbiter is Reno Borg, former Labour candidate and former BOV chairman • Nemea Bank administration Depositors seeking legal counsel PAGE 6 May 2016 - Issue 77 www.vida.com.mt JURASSIC ROCKS OF HALONG BAY Beaches and rock climbing in Northeast Vietnam VEGGIES FOR GAINS Eight muscle building veggies THE GOLD SIDE Spring's fashion must-haves SPRING ASPARAGUS MUM'S MOMENTS MAKE MOTHER'S DAY SPECIAL LUSCIOUS LEMON TART www.gourmettoday.recipes DINING OUT OUR FAVOURITE RESTOS CLASSIC HOLLANDAISE TUNISIAN SHAKSHUKA ISSUE 39 • MAY 2016 WIN a meal for two at LA MERE RECIPES SEAN GRAVINA'S TV RECIPES GOURMET TODAY & VIDA MAGAZINE 50 SUNDAY • 1 MAY 2016 • ISSUE 860 • PUBLISHED EVERY WEDNESDAY AND SUNDAY YOUR FIRST READ AND FIRST CLICK OF THE DAY WWW.MALTATODAY.COM.MT SUNDAY • SUNDAY • SUNDAY • 1 MAY 2016 • ISSUE 860 1 MAY 2016 • ISSUE 860 • PUBLISHED EVERY WEDNESDAY AND SUNDAY • PUBLISHED EVERY WEDNESDAY AND SUNDAY YOUR FIRST READ AND FIRST CLICK OF THE DAY YOUR FIRST READ AND FIRST CLICK OF THE DAY WWW.MALTATODAY.COM.MT • PUBLISHED EVERY WEDNESDAY AND SUNDAY • PUBLISHED EVERY WEDNESDAY AND SUNDAY maltatoday ... but Hibs deny them final pleasure with 1-1 draw today today today today MUSCAT'S HOUSE OF CARDS ANALYSIS 10-11 LEADER 'A half-baked measure' 27 COMMENT SAVIOUR BALZAN 19 FRANK PSAILA 20 MICHAEL FALZON 21 JOSANNE CASSAR 23 RAPHAEL VASSALLO 25 Muscat mulls Abela co-option