Former Labour Prime Minister remembers Dom Mintoff as ‘monumental figure’

Former Labour Prime Minister Alfred Sant has expressed his deep condolences to the Mintoff family for the loss of Dom Mintoff, describing him as a "monumental figure".

Sant, who posted his comment on his website and refused to give comments to the media over the phone, steered clear from making any reference to the stormy relationship shared between the two, culminating in Mintoff bringing down Sant's government in 1998.

But this time, Sant chose to remember his predecessor for the good he did, especially by setting up the welfare state and always looking out for the best interests of the Maltese worker.

"He fought hard and with great courage for the true independence of our country. And today we must remember him for the good he did, for his hard work that had a substantial impact on the political and social history of our country," he wrote.

Sant said that at the time, Mintoff's work had been harshly criticised by those who today share those same political values.

"Today, there is no better tribute to Mintoff than saying his values remain the foundation of the policies of our country ... And it is only the Labour Party that can guarantee the values of social solidarity and national freedom," he said.