The Malta Workers Party (Maltese: Partit tal-Ħaddiema, MWP) was a political party in Malta.
Malta Workers Party Partit tal-Ħaddiema | |
---|---|
Leader | Paul Boffa |
Founded | 1949 |
Dissolved | 1955 |
Split from | Labour Party |
Ideology | Pro-United Kingdom Anti-communism |
Colours | Brown |
History
editThe party was established in 1949 by Paul Boffa after he resigned as leader of the Labour Party following a motion of no confidence.[1] Both parties won 11 seats in the 1950 elections, allowing the Nationalist Party (which won 12 seats) to form the government.[2] In the elections the following year the Labour Party won 14 seats and the Workers Party won seven, with the Workers' Party joining a coalition government with the Nationalist Party.[1]
The party's support declined rapidly, and it won only three seats in the 1953 elections. It was disbanded in 1955.[1]
Ideology
editThe party ran on a platform of co-operation with the British authorities in order to promote Maltese interests. It called for economic austerity and diverting funds to industrial development. Boffa publicly accused Labour Party leader Dom Mintoff of being a Communist and anti-clericalist.[1]
Election results
editElection | Votes | % | Seats | +/– | Position | Status |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1950 | 24,616 | 23.2 | 11 / 40
|
11 | 3rd | Opposition |
1951 | 21,158 | 18.8 | 7 / 40
|
4 | 3rd | Coalition |
1953 | 14,000 | 11.8 | 3 / 40
|
4 | 3rd | Coalition |
References
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