Carm Mifsud Bonnici bows out, ending a three-generation dynasty
Nationalist MP and former minister will not contest the election on May 30
Veteran Nationalist MP Carm Mifsud Bonnici will not contest the upcoming general election, ending his family’s three-generation presence in Maltese politics.
In a video message posted to Facebook, Mifsud Bonnici said he wishes to step aside and let others build on his political work over the years.
“Every beginning has an end. After a lot of thought and reflection, I’ve decided not to contest the next election,” he said.
He is one of at least 11 sitting MPs who will not be running in the general election.
Mifsud Bonnici spent 28 years serving in parliament, be it as an Opposition MP, backbencher or minister.
He successfully contested six elections over the years, securing seats on the 2nd, 3rd and 4th districts.
It was not always a smooth journey for Mifsud Bonnici. In May 2012, he resigned as home affairs minister upon losing a no-confidence vote after Nationalist MP Franco Debono voted with the Labour Opposition.
Mifsud Bonnici was made a minister in 2008 after the general election. Before this, he served as a parliamentary secretary in the justice and home affairs ministry.
He is a lawyer by profession. In his younger years, he was active in student organisations and the PN’s youth movement.
Mifsud Bonnici belongs to one of the most distinguished political and legal households in Malta.
He was first elected to parliament in 1998, taking over the seat that used to be occupied by his father Ugo, who went on to become President of the Republic.
Ugo Mifsud Bonnici's father Carmelo (il-Gross) was known to be one of the best orators Maltese politics ever produced.