Mintoff regains power

Press, Volume CXI, Issue 32637, 19 June 1971, Page 17

Mintoff regains power

(N.Z.P.A.-Reuter—Copyright)

VALLETTA, June 18.

The leader of the Malta Labour Party (Mr Dom Mintoff) was sworn in as Prime Minister today after his narrow victory in the island’s General Election. Cheering crowds greeted him as he went to his official residence to work on the formation of a new Cabinet, the composition of which is expected to be announced before a victory parade for Sunday. Mr Mintoff, who has survived bitter quarrels with Britain and the Roman Catholic Church, was Prime Minister from 1955 to 1938, when Malta was still a British colony.

He left the post after a dispute with the British

Government about financial aid and the extent of Malta’s self-rule, having already come into conflict with the Roman Catholic Church over his proposal that Malta should be fully integrated with Britain, or granted Independence. Dr George Borg Olivier, who had been Prime Minister for nine years, last night conceded the defeat of hi* Nationalist Party after it had become clear that the Labour Party had snatched victory by one seat.

Mr MintofFs party will have 28 seats In the House of Representatives, the remaining 27 going to the Nationalists. The small progressive Constitutional Party failed to gain representation.