Falzon resignation: first reactions on Facebook

Aaron Farrugia, Malta Freeport chairman and secretary for Labour’s electoral manifesto, 2013: “I’ve always admired Michael Falzon as a politician capable for taking difficult decisions… I had no doubt that Joseph Muscat was leading a government of integrity and seriousness, especially now that it will fight the Old Mint Street expropriations in court and turn the Lands Department into an authority. This is a government that works, listens, and decides.”

Andrew Azzopardi, University of Malta head of youth studies and broadcaster: “Moral of the story: In Maltese politics everyone wins, one by asking someone resign; the other by forcing him to resign. And politicians and businessmen should be like chalk and cheese, not salt and pepper.”

Kurt Farrugia, head of government communications: “It’s a different style and the responsible approach too. Joseph Muscat is making a difference. Decisiveness is a quality not many politicians have.”

Franco Debono, former Nationalist MP and Law Commissioner [replying on Facebook to Kurt Farrugia]. “You must be joking Kurt. Did you really expect Michael Falzon not to resign after such a damning report? With the benefit of hindsight, and after this report, the question one could ask is how was he appointed to such a position in the first place? There is absolutely no merit in him resigning. There was nothing else to do. He should have resigned ages ago. What a change! Really…. for the worse… And there are others… “

Carmel Cacopardo, Alternattiva Demokrattika deputy chairperson: “The resignation was correct but it comes six months too late. Falzon should have resigned in July when the IAID report was presented. It is good that the Prime Minister has announced reforms in the administration of lands, because it would mean that the entire country’s public interest is safeguarded.”

Michael Briguglio, former AD chairperson and University of Malta lecturer: “The criticism of Malta’s governance deficit which has been highlighted by civil society, independent media, AD and PN has yet again been confirmed by the NAO, a truly independent state institution that has not been usurped by the increasingly greedy ‪#‎TaghhomBiss government.”