Galdes 'placed party's interests above his own,' Abela says after meeting

Roderick Galdes had “placed the party’s interests above his own,” Robert Abela said when asked about the outcome of a meeting held on Wednesday to discuss a Labour Party decision to bar him from contesting.

On Wednesday afternoon, Abela held a private meeting with Galdes to discuss the situation.

Earlier in the week, a disgruntled Galdes had formally objected to the PL executive’s decision to block his candidacy for next month’s election, citing irregularities in the vote.

Following the meeting, Galdes said he did not yet know whether he would be an election candidate.

Abela was similarly cryptic on Thursday morning, saying “the outcome of the meeting was that Roderick Galdes once again placed the party’s interests above his own”.

“I look forward to seeing him contribute throughout the campaign,” Abela added.

Thursday’s comments echo similar thoughts expressed by Abela in the past.

At the time of Galdes’ resignation from cabinet in January, Abela praised him for “putting the party and the government above himself,” while arguing that he was facing unproven allegations.

Earlier this week, Abela dodged questions over whether he agreed with the executive’s decision to bar Galdes, instead thanking the former housing minister for his contribution over the years and insisting he still has much to offer to Malta’s political scene.

However, Abela had declined to offer his views over whether he agreed with Galdes’ claim that he is the victim of a “coordinated attack,” nor has he expressed his thoughts over whether the executive’s decision is final.

Galdes, who served in cabinet for 13 years, had resigned under a cloud in January, after a series of revelations over his property dealings and links to housing contractors involved in projects under his watch.

He had also been accused of “hobnobbing” with contractors by former Malita chair Marlene Mizzi.

Galdes has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing.