Freedom from corruption

On Tuesday evening, on the eve of Independence Day, Simon Busuttil set the political tone with determination and humility. Considered to be the most important annual speech for any PN leader, Simon made his mark by being himself.

Claudette Buttigieg is a PN MP – cbuttigieg08@gmail.com, twitter: @ButClaudette

The mass gathering listened to him attentively, almost in awe. This was no loud and aggressive speech à la Joseph Muscat. It was a more intimate speech, which appealed to the crowd in a more personal way.

Simon Busuttil addressed not just the people who eagerly came to the Floriana Granaries; he also directed his words towards the TV viewers and radio listeners who couldn’t make it or else still don’t feel comfortable attending a PN event.

While showing his due respect for those who fought for our national independence, Simon Busuttil appealed for a new independence: from corruption, secret deals and lack of transparency.

He also promised to keep the Prime Minister and his intimate circle of friends accountable for their deeds. He firmly promised to open investigations and publish all contracts, particularly those involving Konrad Mizzi and Keith Schembri as they are both involved in the Panama Papers scandal.

Simon Busuttil spoke with hand on heart and pledged his honesty as an asset – something that clearly Muscat cannot offer any longer. Simon, once again, spoke of forming a national coalition against corruption, a message which has gone down well with many.

He also reiterated a number of promises made in the PN Good Governance document, including a two-thirds parliamentary vote when choosing key positions of national importance, such as the appointment of the President, Police Commissioner, Attorney General, etc.

Although there was a constant reference to the major scandals which have tainted Muscat’s government and our country’s reputation (including the Café

23 September 2000

Premier and Gaffarena deals, the sale of medical visas and the Panama Papers), Simon Busuttil’s speech was more about the impact on ordinary people than about the scandals themselves.

He brought out examples of how corruption and bad governance are having their toll on different members of our society. This, of course, made his speech more intimate and appealing. The elderly, sick, poor and new graduates were among those mentioned directly in the speech but the examples were so concrete and tangible that everybody could see themselves in them.

A clear example was the case of the newly graduated radiologists. This was a specialized University of Malta degree in conjunction with the University of Cardiff. It was created under the PN government.

Alas, the newly graduated radiologists have been informed that they will not be employed by the government because there are no funds.

As Simon Busuttil pointed out, Muscat had no difficulty finding enough money to employ Sai Mizzi at €13,000 a month. Why are these health-care professionals such a problem when their basic salary is €1,200 (Scale 10)?

Unfortunately the radiologists are not the only ones who are finding themselves jobless. Podiatrists, occupational therapists, physiotherapists and other allied health professionals are also facing the same fate.

After Simon Busuttil’s speech I waited to see how the Prime Minister would react. He did what he does best and pulled another rabbit out of his hat.

Within less than twenty-four hours, it was announced that Malta has attracted a multimillion euro investment. This is always great news for our country – as long as it really materialises.

Of course, only time will tell if this investment is truly what Muscat is promising. Or if this is yet another one of his tricks to manipulate the headlines.

We will wait and we will see.