PN accuses government of lying; PL accuses Opposition of 'lack of ethics'

The PN has accused Prime Minister Joseph Muscat of lying when he said the waiver he granted to parliamentary secretary Franco Mercieca was because he was the only one capable of carrying out certain medical interventions and that this work was going to be done at the weekend.

Mercieca was found to be carrying out cosmetic procedures as well as other procedures which could have been performed by other surgeons, and working during the week.

Meanwhile, the government has said Opposition leader Simon Busuttil "had best take a look at some of the most prominent members in his shadow cabinet", who he said were also prominent members of the previous Nationalist government - "the most arrogant government in recent history".

The Labour government recalled the former Nationalist finance minister who took a free trip on a private jet with businessmen to see a football game. It also mentioned the same politician received a 'tal-Lira' clock as a present by people who were involved in the oil scandal before the last general election.

"The PN should remember the AG's report which found a €1million Wasteserv contract ended up costing €29million under the former Resources Minister, who is a prominent member in Busuttil's leadership.

"It should also recall the AG's reports regarding the PN's actions in the case of the BWSC if it wants to know what lack of leadership means," the government's statement said.  

It also said that PN is still being led by the same people who decided to take a €500 weekly raise whilst raising water and electricity bills for families and businesses.

"Busuttil and his colleagues surely are in no position to give lessons in political ethics, especially when the case they are referring to is one that involves common sense to lessen the patient's suffering," the government said.