More proposals on the way
Prime Minister Joseph Muscat yesterday would not say whether he would keep Konrad Mizzi and Keith Schembri by his side should he win the general election.
The PM has been heavily criticised for giving Mizzi and Schembri only a slap on the wrist after the Panama Papers revealed that they had opened companies in the secretive jurisdiction.
Speaking on Dissett, Dr Muscat insisted that he had he had taken action against the former energy minister.
“I could have gained, personally, from sacking Mizzi, but the country needed the investment in the energy sector. I took away his portfolio, kept him under my responsibility, and he delivered.”
Pressed by presenter Reno Bugeja to say whether Mizzi had a place in a new cabinet, Muscat said Mizzi would have first to be elected.
“I will take into consideration everything that is happening and take my decision accordingly.”
He also stated that if the slightest shred of proof emerged showing that Keith Schembri, a friend and close collaborator, took kickbacks (as alleged by the Opposition Leader), his chief of staff would have “to shoulder the responsibility and go.”
When the presenter pointed out that the PM had retained Schembri for an entire year after the Panama Papers, Dr Busuttil replied by saying that Dr Busuttil had also retained Beppe Fenech Adami, who was “involved in a company with links to money laundering and drug money.”
Asked if he would be keeping Mr Schembri by his side in another term in office, the PM said he was only focused on the election right now.
“I will take these decisions if and when the electorate places its trust in me again.”
He insisted that he and Keith Schembri are friends and have no obligations towards each other.
The PM insisted that it would have been better for him to call an election after the inquiry (into the Egrant claims) is concluded.
“I would have scored a big goal against the Opposition Leader, but the delay would have put the economy at risk, so I did not do that. He insisted that the uncertainty had even affected sales.”
The inquiry, he said, would prove his and his wife’s innocence. The PM insisted that he had full confidence in the Police Commissioner and in all institutions.
He said that, should the allegations turn out to be untrue, Simon Busuttil would have to resign, whether he is Prime Minister or Leader of the Opposition.
“He will also have to make a public apology for this massive lie.”
Asked if he would appoint another massive cabinet, the PM said that would depend on the priorities, which include social housing, agriculture and the social sector.
He said three days into the electoral campaign, the Opposition was still speaking about suspicions, while he was saying he would upgrade all of Malta’s roads, reduce taxes and giving workers their public holidays back.
He insisted that the PL was only promising tax cuts because the economy was strong.
“Our proposals are costed and proposals that we can afford.”