Opposition leader calls for transparency in financial sector

Opposition leader Joseph Muscat said that a number of qualified persons are asking for more transparency in the finance sector and require that the situation is made clear.

“If the Prime Minister is saying that not taking a number of decisions would lead us to fall into Greece’s steps, then he is saying as well that the last 23 years have been a complete failure and government did not take the right decisions,” Muscat said this morning.

He said, contrary to other European governments, Malta’s government didn’t feel the need to discuss the Euro crisis in parliament, and it was only after a call from the Opposition that the debate took place.

He added that the Labour Party is committed towards the stability of Europe and is acting in the most responsible manner through its role in the Opposition.

Referring to the public transport reform and traffic management, Muscat said government has no idea how to plan or how to lead. “The manner in which the traffic is handled is a clear indication of Gonzi’s bad leadership and lack of direction and planning,” he said, adding that in the coming weeks the PL will be raising the traffic issue and its management.

Criticising Transport Malta for blaming Enemalta for the traffic jams which occurred last Thursday, Muscat said these things never happen in other countries: “The main road which leads to the airport has been closed off whilst works are being carried out at Cirkewwa and other localities right at the peak of the tourism season.”

Muscat added that the decisions were taken by the same persons who in the last year and a half were responsible of the Arriva bus routes. He said, he remains impressed by the “public transport’s tragic comedy” .

He said that even worse than spending three years consulting on bus routes which are not feasible, is the fact that Transport Minister Austin Gatt is blaming the public for not taking part in the consultation process.

Muscat went on to say that he will be demanding answers in Parliament, following reports in the Malta Independent on Sunday that some €4 million in surplus from fines issued by local wardens seem to have disappeared.

The Opposition leader also spoke about the case of the illegal fees issued by MEPA this week: “Lawrence Gonzi, Mario de Marco and MEPA chairman Austin Walker should be held responsible for the 3,500 illegal bills issued by MEPA for printing payments.”

Speaking on the law which allows for all arrested persons access to a lawyer prior to police investigation, Muscat said government should be held responsible for the delay in enacting the law.  “Past convictions may be overturned on the grounds that suspects had not been allowed to consult their lawyers while in police custody.”