Updated 12.15pm

Former PN MP Karl Gouder died on Tuesday, two days after announcing his intention to run for the post of party general secretary.

His body was found in Valletta close to the former Customs House. The death is not being treated as suspicious. 

PN leader Bernard Grech announced Gouder's death with a post on Facebook. He offered Gouder's family and friends his condolences and asked people to respect the family's privacy at this time. 

Gouder, 45, announced his interest in the PN general secretary post last Sunday in comments to Times of Malta, a week after incumbent Michael Piccinino said he would step down to become a PN election candidate.

Gouder was chief operations officer of the PN’s media arm and was Piccinino’s right-hand man during most of his tenure.  He also played a pivotal role in organising the party's campaign for the 2024 MEP and local council elections. 

Gouder celebrates with David Agius following the 2015 local council elections. Photo: Matthew Mirabelli

He was previously mayor of St Julian’s and also served as a PN MP for six years across three legislatures. 

Educated at Stella Maris and St Aloysius College, he graduated with a degree in business in 2001. As a student, he led the University Students Council (KSU) and served on the National Youth Council (KNZ). 

Known for his jovial character, he was also a keen athlete focused on long-distance runs. 

At the time of his announcement to contest the PN general secretary post, a party source had described how Gouder managed to bring together everyone who worked at Dar Ċentrali.

"He earned staff’s respect on the media side, as he was leading the team there, but he has also proven himself on the party side as well.” 

His death came as a huge shock in political circles where he was widely respected. 

European Parliament president Roberta Metsola said she was "devastated" to learn of the news.  

In a statement, the Labour Party expressed its condolences to the Gouder family. 

Prime Minister Robert Abela in a Facebook post also expressed his sorrow, recalling his long friendship with Gouder from their school days.

President Myriam Spiteri Debono said she felt Gouder's nomination as PN general secretary was a positive thing for the party and the country, even though she did not know him personally.

Speaker Anglu Farrugia also relayed his condolences to the family.

The Malta LGBTIQ Rights Movement (MGRM) noted that Gouder was Malta's first openly gay MP and highlighted his vocal advocacy in favour of marriage equality. 

"We want to thank Karl for his commitment to his public office and for representing our community particularly at a time when the conversation was very different from today," the MGRM said as it offered Gouder's family its condolences.