John Culatto
THE GSLP/Liberals have once again come into government in another landslide victory.
Chief Minister Fabian Picardo said that the alliance had been voted ‘as the government of all Gibraltarians’ ahead of Brexit.
His message of unity pointed to wanting to achieve ‘the best Gibraltar’ of all three parties.
Picardo reflected on the ‘magnificent work’ of those who had worked for this victory.
“Our activists are sometimes referred to as a well-oiled machine,” he said.
“But it is not a machine. It is instead a beating heart that keeps the party not just alive but thriving and growing.
“It needs to be nurtured throughout the lifetime of a parliament not just from election to election.”
He referred to the addition of 500 new members, even though the GSLP already had the largest membership.
It was a night of many firsts
The GSLP have now been in five terms of government.
It was the first time an 80-year-old knight was elected to parliament.
Vijay Daryanani became the first Gibraltarian of Indian descent elected as an MP.
Picardo was one of the most voted Gibraltar Chief Ministers of all time with just shy of 10,000 votes.
He also spoke well of his political rivals who he said had fought on ‘ideas’ rather than spite.
“I hold up my hand in genuine friendship and parliamentary friendship to those who have been elected this morning,” said Picardo in what is to be his final four years as Chief Minister.
He promised more transparency, equality and environmental protection during the Brexit process.
Meanwhile, Together Gibraltar leader Marlene Hassan Nahon was the most voted member of the Opposition.
The daughter of Gibraltar’s longest leader Sir Joshua Hassan said her party brought ‘a fresh approach, an attentive ear and a loud, fearless voice’.
The former Independent thanked her activists and voters for the campaign which almost saw fellow candidate Craig Sacarello ride into Opposition with her.
She was also the only MP voted into parliament from the Together Gibraltar party, which she formed.
This meant that the rest of the seats in the Opposition were taken by the GSD under its leader Keith Azopardi.
“We will be there working shoulder to shoulder with you,” announced Azopardi. “I meant what I said that if you need our help during the Brexit crisis you will have it.
“All we want in return is reciprocity and real involvement.”
Remarkably, he was not the most supported in the party, though, as Damon Bossino got more votes.
