Backlash inside Labour after Abela signals openness to Trump’s ‘Board of Peace’

Updated 3pm

Labour Party president Alex Sciberras said Malta should never be a participant “in the politics of force”, after Robert Abela sparked political backlash by declaring his government was considering joining Donald Trump’s so-called 'Board of Peace'.  

Several party officials and members of the PL parliamentary group also expressed concern after the prime minister's comments during Monday’s fiery parliamentary sitting.  

But others said it would be “irresponsible” of Malta to dismiss the prospect of joining the Trump-led board outright.  

Abela's surprise comments in parliament came hours after activists said they would be holding a protest outside the US embassy in Ta' Qali on Tuesday at 6.30pm.

Ostensibly set up as a peace initiative to administer post-war Gaza, critics say the Board of Peace is Trump’s attempt to sidestep the United Nations Security Council and develop an alternative in which only he has veto power.  

The board's charter lists Trump, in his personal capacity, as chairman for life. Countries can join for three-year terms, renewable at Trump's discretion. To become permanent members, countries must pay a $1 billion membership fee to a Trump-controlled fund.

Except for Hungary and Bulgaria, no EU states have agreed to join Trump's board, which controversially includes countries led by dictators or wanted for war crimes. 

Several within the party expressed concern over the comments, especially over the appeasement strategy. 

“I believe this board of peace does not have good intentions, but what should we do? Beat our chests and protest against America? All Trump needs to do is blow in our direction, and that’s it. We're not France or Canada,” a member of the PL parliamentary group told Times of Malta, on condition of anonymity.

Some government and party insiders insisted that Abela’s comments should only be seen as a way to maintain good relations with the US and agreed that there are no active plans to join Trump's board.

Labour Party president Alex Sciberras, known for his moderate leftist views, published a social media post on Tuesday: “The Labour movement, among others, was born from the idea that Malta should never be subject to or a participant in the politics of force.” 

He said Malta has fought for neutrality and has “always stood on the side of people who were denied dignity and the right to determine their own destiny, including the Palestinian people”. 

“This history is not merely symbolic or a tale of nostalgia but is part of our identity and defines how we understand peace,” he said. 

Labour women’s section secretary Jennifer Tabone also criticised the Board of Peace in a Facebook comment.  

“This 'peace board’ by Trump is a mockery of peace, a lack of credibility,” she said. 

“I hope this consideration is only in the negative. Whoever promotes war and even terror in their country can never truly be in favour of peace,” she added.

Jennifer Tabone's Comment.

Placating the US

Sources said Abela’s statements were clearly intended to placate the US administration amid fear that Trump might hurt Malta economically if faced with any resistance or critical comments. The same sources denied any direct pressure coming from the US embassy.

“But, in reality, there's no way we will ever really join this board,” they said.  

Labour MP Edward Zammit Lewis called for more clarity about the mandate, legal basis and governance of the board before Malta should consider joining. 

He added that such initiatives should not replace established bodies like the United Nations but complement it.   

Zammit Lewis also said that Malta, as a member of the European Union, should continue advocating for a “union that is capable of acting with coherence and, where necessary, speaking with a single voice on foreign policy matters”. 

However, the backbench MP also said “he fully understands the prime minister’s emphasis on safeguarding Malta’s national interest. At the same time, initiatives of this nature require a measured and cautious assessment”. 

One backbench MP who asked not to be named argued that Malta should emphasise the need to reform the United Nations to make it stronger, instead of exploring options that would undermine it. 

A PL official underlined the danger of a board which gave Trump the power of veto. 

“That does not align with what we are. We should favour any initiative for peace, but we need to ask ourselves - is this ‘Board of Peace’ really about that?” 

Another said they were sceptical of a strategy to appease the US, led by a president who has become notorious for castigating any critics with tariffs or even military threats.

“I would rather align with the EU’s position instead of cosying up to the US. With the Americans right now, there’s only a transactional relationship, and there's no stability in that.”

The parliamentary group member cited as an example Trump’s recent decision to increase tariffs on South Korea because of delays in approving a trade deal. 

Two other members of the PL parliamentary group said they did not like the idea of a Trump-led international organisation as proposed.  

“Just look at the countries that have accepted the invitation - it's enough to turn you off,” they said, pointing out the prospect of Maltese representatives sitting side by side with leaders like Belarusian dictator Alexander Lukashenko and Russia's Vladimir Putin.  

“But that doesn't mean saying no without consideration. Saying we are considering membership does not mean we are in favour of that option. As the leader of a small state, Abela would have been irresponsible if he had done so.

“But we also need to understand the Prime Minister and the government, who are doing all they can to keep a good relationship with the US amid very trying geo-political times.”

'A new low'

But other party insiders also expressed discomfort at the increasing anti-EU rhetoric fanned by the Labour leadership and its media, with one official urging Abela to look beyond Trump's tenure and a return to normality with Malta firmly embedded in the EU family. 

Former Labour MEP Cyrus Engerer meanwhile said he was "shocked" and "disgusted", describing Abela's comments as "a new low". 

"Standing up for what is right can come at a cost. But I would rather pay that price than rent my conscience for a seat at someone else’s table," he said.

"Peace is not a branding exercise, and it is not built by aligning yourself with figures who openly undermine democracy, international law, and human rights. If peace requires silence in the face of abuse, then it is not peace. It is complicity".