EC investigation does not change reality – Joseph Muscat

Addressing a meeting at Żurrieq’s Labour Party club, PL Leader Joseph Muscat started his speech by making reference to the European Commission’s proposal to stop infringement procedures against Malta.

Whilst European Commissioner Michel Barnier is expected to ‘present a proposal’ to close infringement procedures against Malta on the Delimara power station procurement, Muscat claimed the EC’s investigation had nothing to do with the irregularities mentioned in the Auditor General’s report.

“The European Union only investigated matters related to laws which direct similar contracts,” Muscat claimed. “It is not in the EU’s position to investigate what has been declared in the Auditor General’s report.”

“Whilst the EC has found nothing wrong in its investigation, it still does not change the fact that the BWSC contract is the most corrupted story of the Nationalist Party,” the PL leader said. “If government now truly has nothing to hide, Gonzi should give instructions to the PAC members to let all witnesses be heard.”

Muscat said that no one has yet explained why a number of subcontractors which are involved in cases of corruption have been awarded the contracts.

“With the Labour Party in government, we promise we will reopen the investigations and give all necessary tools for the truth to be finally revealed,” Muscat said.

Claiming that the fuel which will be used in the extension of the power station is “harmful for the environment,” Muscat said this issue will be another electoral promise he will work on.

“As Labour, we guarantee to start a process to get rid of the heavy fuel oil from the new power station and launch a strategy to go with a gas-operated power station in the least possible time,” he said.

Muscat reiterated that he is now more than ever convinced that Malta needs a fresh change in its leadership.

“We are going to inherit a legacy of bad decisions. And this convinces us more than ever that what we need is a government led by the Labour Party,” he said, once again encouraging his followers to work hard.

“This is the moment of truth for our country – the moment where we start writing a new story together,” Muscat said. “We are now a party which listens to everyone and on this ideology our movement is going to rest.”

Following Muscat’s comments, Labour MP Marlene Pullicino claimed the BWSC contract was tailor-made to accommodate interested parties.

“The government has changed everything to accommodate third parties,” she said. “Do we know anything about the percentage on commissions the PN took for itself?”

According to Pullicino, the Nationalist Party is already thinking about the general elections and thus it is trying to strengthen its finances.

“The PN is rich in money, and more money brings strength. With this financial strength the PN will try to win the elections.”

The Labour MP reiterated that the PN does everything to retain its powers, “even selling our own health.” Pullicino claimed the elections will be “a people’s fight to gain freedom.”

Referring to party financing, Pullicino said it should be fair and transparent.

“For the elections to be truly democratic, we must fight on ground level. Who does not have the financial strength will be at a disadvantage.”

Present at the meeting was also former Tourism Minister Karmenu Vella. Referring to the problems faced by Air Malta’s employers, Vella recalled a letter sent by the Prime Minister “guaranteeing safe jobs to all”.

“The letter was sent 15 days before the general elections,” Vella said. “Gonzi had pointed out the importance of Air Malta as an entity which brings numerous jobs to Malta and he recognised the necessity of the jobs they do.”

“Where has this guarantee ended up?” Vella asked, questioning whether the Prime Minister’s guarantee can be truly counted on. “He has sold everything which the Labour Party had worked hard for in the past years.”

Referring to last week’s photo of Gonzi being carried on shoulders by university graduates, Vella claimed that students should be careful of the Prime Minister.

“Today you have carried Gonzi on your shoulders, but tomorrow you will be carrying the financial burdens and debts left by him.”