Updated | Muscat challenges Busuttil over deputy leader’s ‘breach of ethics’

The Labour parliamentary group will be united on one front to talk about the government’s achievements and question the opposition on its proposals, Prime Minister Joseph Muscat today.

The government tomorrow faces a motion of no-confidence presented by the opposition in wake of the Panama Papers revelations.

Addressing the party faithful at the Mgarr party club, an upbeat Muscat also challenged the Opposition leader to today state what action is he going to take – if any – against PN deputy leader Mario de Marco.

MaltaToday on Sunday revealed how one of the businessmen embroiled in Panama Papers had his company Redmap Constructions carry out €34,000 in works on properties owned by de Marco back in 2011. The former tourism minister never paid for the works until last month when de Marco requested an invoice. De Marco has also insisted with MaltaToday that he had “regularly asked for an invoice in respect of works carried out but the contractor insisted that the invoice be made once the works are complete”.

Reminding that de Marco was a member of the Cabinet when the works were being carried out, Muscat said there was a clear breach of ethics.

“This another test for Simon Busuttil: what is he going to do about it? All the talks and protests boil down to one decision that should be taken today,” he insisted.

Muscat went on to add that he and his government understood the people’s anger and disappointment over the Panama Papers revelations.

“We disappointed the people who want us to be better and we want to make up for that disappointment. We will humbly correct this … show that we listen and that we are just. But tomorrow we will also be united in the House of Representatives to talk of our achievements and plans.”

Muscat kicked off his speech by talking about Malta’s solid economy and the government’s commitment in continuing helping businesses invest locally and abroad. He was the first Maltese prime minister to visit Lebanon and Jordan, Muscat said, leading a business delegation.

“The thirst to invest in Malta is evident,” the Labour leader said, adding that even the Water Services Corporation had been chosen by the World Bank for its ability to export services.

While in Beirut, the Maltese delegation visited a World Bank-funded project which contracted the WSC to train the Lebanese in water management. He also confirmed that a second international contract was in the offing for Enemalta.

Muscat made reference to the Central Bank of Malta’s projection of a 5% economic growth in 2016 on the back of strong domestic demand. He also referred to EU statistics which showed that severe material deprivation in Malta dropped to 8.1% in 2015, compared to the 10.2% the previous year.

PN reaction

In a reaction, the Nationalist Party accused the Prime Minister of resorting to another lie to attack members of the Opposition.

“The prime minister’s speech shows the desperate situation he finds himself in. He has resorted to yet another lie on one of the deputy leaders of the PN. This is part of the desperate campaign against members of the Opposition, based on lies,” he said.

It is quite rich for the Prime Minister to try and deviate attention on the party in Opposition, when it is himself, Keith Schembri and Konrad Mizzi who are embroiled in the largest corruption scandal which this country has ever experienced, the PN said.

Moreover, the PN said Muscat lost the moral authority to lead the country and he should therefore listen the people, and leave.

“The Maltese are not expecting the prime minister to resort to mud slinging or any deviation tactics, but to shoulder responsibility for his lack of action on the Panama scandal. However, he is truly in denial,” he said.