Toni Abela
Toni Abela | |
|---|---|
| Born | July 2, 1957 Malta |
| Occupation(s) | Lawyer, Judge, Politician |
| Years active | 1988–present |
| Known for | Deputy Leader (Party Affairs) of the Malta Labour Party, co-founder of Malta's Green Party (Alternattiva Demokratika), drafting Maltese Whistleblower Act and Party Financing Act |
Toni Abela (born 2 July 1957) is a Maltese political figure who was appointed Deputy Leader (Party Affairs) of the Malta Labour Party in June 2008. Professionally a lawyer, he played a key role in drafting significant legislation such as Malta's Whistleblower Act, Party Financing Act, and the statute that revoked legal immunity for politicians in cases involving abuse and corruption. Although nominated by the Maltese Government to serve at the European Court of Auditors, his candidacy was ultimately declined. Presently, he holds the position of judge at the First Hall of the Civil Court of Malta.
President (1988–1989)
Abela assumed the presidency of the Labour Party in 1988 but stepped down a year later in 1989 due to his opposition to corruption and criminal activities within the party ranks.
Co-founder of Malta's Green Party (1989)
Together with Labour whip Wenzu Mintoff, Abela co-established Alternattiva Demokratika, Malta’s Green Party, in 1989. The party emphasized environmental protection, gender equality, political transparency, and pushed for electoral reforms including a national quota system inspired by Germany to improve representation for smaller parties. Abela also advocated for legislative measures such as the Whistleblower Act, Freedom of Information Act, elimination of prescription periods for abuse by public officials, and reforms to party financing laws.
Deputy Mayor of Hamrun (1993)
In 1993, Abela was elected Deputy Mayor of Hamrun, an important municipality in Malta. In this role, he supervised law enforcement activities and managed the citizens' complaints office. He was instrumental in introducing the first set of local bye-laws and establishing Hamrun’s initial local court.
Labour Party Deputy Leader (Party Affairs) (2008–2016)
On 12 June 2008, Abela was elected Deputy Leader for Party Affairs within the Labour Party. His responsibilities included overseeing internal party administration and managing 65 party branches. He also enforced governance standards across 39 Labour Local Councils during a phase marked by extensive organizational restructuring.
- Allegations of drug cover-up
During the campaign for the 2013 General Election, an audio recording emerged implying that Abela had knowledge of cocaine stored at a Labour Party club and chose to address it internally rather than notify law enforcement. The Police Commissioner subsequently confirmed that there was no evidence of misconduct on Abela’s part.