PN hit out at Energy Minister over wife’s earnings

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The Nationalist Opposition hit out at Energy Minister Konrad Mizzi following statements that cash flow problems hindered Enemed from immediately reducing fuel prices.

Prices of fuel went down by 4c in February with two further reductions expected in March and April. While the Opposition and civil society called on government to reduce prices immediately, the government said that the reductions would be staggered.

During an MCESD meeting, Mizzi said the decision to stagger the reduction was necessary to avoid cash flow problems in Enemed.

Addressing a press conference at the PN’s headquarters, PN shadow minister Marthese Portelli said the opposition was concerned over the cash flow of households and businesses.

“Latest figures published by the EU confirm that Malta has the fourth highest price of diesel and the seventh highest price of petrol amongst the 28 member states of the European Union,” she said.

Portelli said that contrary to the Energy Minister, the Opposition was deeply concerned over the cash flow of Maltese households and businesses.

She said that an analysis of prices of petrol and diesel in all EU countries showed that Malta was one of a small group of seven countries with prices higher then the EU average.

“Joseph Muscat promised that we would be the best in Europe but it is clear that we are amongst the worst … amongst those countries with the highest fuel prices,” Portelli said.

She said that there were countries were petrol was 38c per litre cheaper than Malta’s, while diesel was 30c cheaper.

“It is clear that Konrad Mizzi does not have a cash flow problem: in the past two years he has been earning a wage of a minister while his wife is being paid €13,000 a month.”

Portelli added that “for transparency’s sake and stability, Joseph Muscat should announce reductions in fuel prices with immediate effect”.