Former Malta Gay PN MP Karl Gouder Died by Suicide in Valletta; Loved Ones Mourns

Karl Gouder, a former PN MP, passed away on Tuesday, just two days after declaring his intention to compete for party general secretary.

In Valletta, next to the former Customs House, his body was found. There is no suspicion of foul play in the death investigation.

Gouder’s passing was made public by PN leader Bernard Grech in a Facebook post. He sent his condolences to Gouder’s family and friends, asking that they be considerate of their privacy during this trying time.

A week after incumbent Michael Piccinino announced he would step down to contest for the party’s election, Gouder, 45, indicated in remarks to the Times of Malta last Sunday that he was interested in the post of general secretary for the PN.

For most of his career, Gouder served as Piccinino’s right-hand man and as chief operations officer of the PN’s media division. Additionally, he played a key role in organizing the party’s local council and MEP campaigns in 2024.

Prior to that, he served as St. Julian’s mayor and as a PN MP for six years in three legislatures. He completed his studies at Stella Maris and St. Aloysius College, earning a business degree in 2001. He was a member of the National Youth Council (KNZ) and the president of the University Students Council (KSU) while he was a student.

He was well-known for his positive outlook on life, but he was also a keen athlete who loved going on long runs. One party insider noted that Gouder had called together every employee of Dar Ċentrali when he declared his candidacy for PN general secretary.

Political circles, where he was well respected, were shocked to learn of his passing. Roberta Metsola, the president of the European Parliament, expressed her “devastation” at hearing the news. In a statement, the Labour Party expressed its condolences to the Gouder family. Prime Minister Robert Abela shared his sadness on Facebook, remembering that he had known Gouder since they were in school.