Consumer protection authority simply a ‘showcase’ – PL

Addressing a press conference in Valletta, Labour’s spokesman on consumer affairs Michael Farrugia said the Authority was simply “a showcase”.

“When considering that Malta’s Consumer Association does not have the required resources to operate, MCCAA should play a bigger role in protecting the interests of the consumers,” Farrugia said.

Referring to the removal of Living TV and Comedy Central from Melita and GO, Farrugia said MCCAA took eight months to conclude its findings and publish an “unprofessional” report: “The report did not even look into various television contracts which could exist.”

Farrugia added that another case in which MCCAA failed to give priority to was related to the school uniforms. “It is not acceptable that a discussion over uniforms took five years, and even more unacceptable is the fact that a report was only published now, a few days before school starts,” he said.

“How much more do we have to wait for the discussion to be concluded when it is crystal clear that this cartel has been in existence for several years?”

Farrugia also criticised the Authority’s Appeals Board – set up a few months ago - saying no one knows how it will function despite having a number of cases.

“All this only confirms that the authority is simply a showcase, managed amateurishly at the detriment of Maltese and Gozitans. This is unacceptable if we truly believe in consumer’s protection.”

He added that Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi and Parliamentary Secretary Chris Said should shoulder responsibility for this.