Speaker refutes Portelli’s breach of privilege: ‘It’s political bickering’

Speaker Anglu Farrugia did not find Transport Minister Joe Mizzi in breach of parliamentary privilege, arguing that comments made by Mizzi in parliament amounted to “political bickering”.

Farrugia was requested to give a ruling in reply to a breach of privilege request raised by Nationalist MP Marthese Portelli.

During Monday’s parliamentary question time, Portelli took umbrage at comments passed by Mizzi in her regard. Telling her “to shut up”, Mizzi accused Portelli of being paid for work she didn’t carry out during her time as a member of the Wasteserv board.

Categorically denying that she was ever paid for work not carried out, Portelli said that her remuneration included transport fee that covered her trips from Gozo to Malta. She added that a parliamentary question tabled by environment minister Leo Brincat had confirmed this.

Portelli had done asked Mizzi to either substantiate his allegations or withdraw them.

In his ruling, the Speaker referred to the PQ which showed that, as a director, Portelli would have received €48.54 for having attended board meetings. The remuneration covered transport fees.

According to Farrugia, it was “evident that Mizzi wasn’t referring to Portelli’s attendance but was referring to the fee. The reply doesn’t indicate the number of times she attended or did not attend the meeting.”

The Speaker added that Mizzi hadn’t insulted Portelli: “More than a breach of privilege, this is more political bickering.”