Raphael Vassallo
James Debono
The Chamber of SMEs (GRTU) is in two minds as to whether Vince Farrugia would be able to stay on as director-general if he accepts the Nationalist Party’s invitation to contest the MEP elections in June 2009.
The GRTU’s statute precludes its president, secretary and treasurer from pursuing political careers.
But there is no corresponding veto for the post of director-general, and the chamber’s council in fact appears to have been wrong-footed by the surprise announcement of Farrugia’s possible candidature with the PN. Contacted by MaltaToday, its members are clearly divided on the issue.
GRTU president Paul Abela sees nothing wrong with Farrugia retaining his post with the chamber, while at the same time representing a political party at European level.
“Obviously it is his personal decision. But if he takes this step it will give the GRTU added value irrespective of with which political party Farrugia chooses to contest. Europe is no longer a divisive issue: both parties believe in it.”
Abela also made it clear that Farrugia’s candidature would not impinge on the chamber’s neutrality. “We never took anybody’s side. We have taken a firm stand against the way the new utility tariff system was implemented and we will soon issue directives to members. We blocked the port when Alfred Sant was Prime Minister and we have done the same twice when the PN was in government.”
But vice president Sandro Chetcuti was less convinced. Describing Vince Farrugia as a “second Mintoff” on account of his extraordinary negotiating skills, Chetcuti heaped lavish praise on the director-general while at the same time expressing misgivings on whether Farrugia could retain his role as GRTU director-general, while serving as an MEP.
“I believe that Farrugia has a remarkable ability to wear more than two hats simultaneously. But in Malta as soon as one contests with a political party, one is labelled a Nationalist or a Labourite. This could affect the credibility of the union. If only we were mature we could make a distinction, but Malta is what it is.”
Chetcuti refused to commit himself on whether Farrugia’s position as GRTU director-general would be tenable if he decides to contest as an MEP for the PN, limiting himself to saying that he would resign if the organisation’s neutrality is impinged.
“As a council member I will insist that the GRTU remains neutral and at the very moment when the GRTU ceases to be neutral, I will leave the GRTU.”
This contrasts slightly with the views of GRTU’s outspoken deputy president, Philip Fenech, who hinted that if elected, Farrugia would have to give up his post as director-general... although this should not mean that he should severe his connections with the organisation.
“Mr Farrugia will be very committed if elected as an MEP, and he will not be able to continue working on the day to day running of the organisation,” Fenech explained. “This does not mean that he should no longer be involved. His position as an MEP will strengthen the organisation, as we will have a direct lobby in Brussels. What’s important is getting him elected.”
Fenech acknowledged that not all GRTU members agree with Farrugia’s candidature with the PN, even if all agree that he should contest.
“Some were not at all bothered that he was contesting with the PN because all they are interested is in having a strong business lobby in Brussels. There were others who were happy that he will be contesting with the PN and naturally there were others who were disappointed that he was not offered to contest on an Labour party ticket. There were others who told us that he should contest on a GRTU ticket independently.”
However, not all officials agreed to comment publicly, and of the few who declined, one anonymously confided his private misgivings that as a political statement, Farrugia’s candidature with the PN could tar the GRTU with a partisan brush.
“I can understand the choice of Farrugia as a PN candidate, because he has a lot to offer to Europe,” the official said. “But at the same time, for many people the GRTU is Vince Farrugia, and Vince Farrugia is the GRTU. If he contests with the PN, then for many people the GRTU will simply become the PN.”
Some, like retailing representative Charles Borg, admitted to being surprised that Farrugia had been approached by the PN.
“Vince Farrugia comes from a Labour background. I am not so sure that he will accept. But irrespective of whether he contests or not, the GRTU should not be effected as its sole interest is that of defending members irrespective of who governs the country.”
But Borg thinks that Farrugia should not remain director-general if elected to the European parliament, although he could stay on if he failed to win a seat. “Naturally he will not have time to run the organisation and such a dual role could result in a conflict of interest.”
Farrugia, 64, has a political baggage that includes close collaboration with former Prime Minister Dom Mintoff and other prominent Labour ministers in the 1970s and early 1980s. At the time, he was entrusted with many sensitive positions in the administration including that of chairman and chief executive of the National Tourism Organisation.
During his career, Farrugia was also appointed by both Nationalist and Labour administrations on the board of various government agencies, including Mid-Med Bank, Bank of Valletta, Maltacom, Go Mobile as well as chairman of the Mediterranean Film Studios.
Currently he is a board member of Malta Enterprise and the Building Industry Consultative Council.
Any comments?
If you wish your comments to be published in our Letters pages please click button below. Please write a contact number and a postal address where you may be contacted.
Download front page in pdf file format
All the interviews from Reporter on MaltaToday's YouTube channel.
Wanted:
an independent voice News that GRTU director general Vince Farrugia has been approached to contest the MEP elections on behalf of the Nationalist Party will certainly raise eyebrows among those who have closely followed the industry lobbyist’s lengthy career...>>
