Government planning to create more poverty – Adrian Delia

Opposition Leader Adrian Delia yesterday accused the government of planning to create more poverty, saying that this is what happened when government ministers were allowed to steal public resources and spend money without keeping record.

Delia, who was being interviewed on the PN’s radio station, was referring to the recent claim that foreign affairs minister Carmelo Abela had ministry workers doing work at his private residence and the missing receipts from economy minister Chris Cardona’s trips.

Speaking first about Abela, Delia said the state’s resources did not belong to the Labour Party. He said it was “unacceptable” for a minister to “steal” resources that belong to the people.

The PN leader said an internal inquiry was not enough when the person against whom the claims are made is the minster himself.

Delia said information revealed this week showed that the resources used to build a roof structure at Abela’s Zejtun home had been purchased during government work hours, and no receipts had been provided to show if the minister had paid the workers. Delia said Abela had nothing to say about his actions and referred to a story in the PN’s Sunday paper, which claimed that the minister was refusing to resign, telling the PM that he would first have to act against Panama Papers minister Konrad Mizzi.

Turning to Chris Cardona’s unexplained solo trips, including to places such as Monaco and Dubai, Delia said responsibility had to be shouldered. “We have to stop with this attitude that such things are ok because the economy is doing well. We have to expect high standards in politics. We need to set an example for our children. We need to be accountable. The contrary is happening government officials are spending big money without keeping any record. Then you have people who are struggling to make ends meet.”

Delia said the government was allowing this to happen while at the same time forgetting the 70,000 people living in poverty and those who are heading in that direction. “Government is planning to create more poverty. This is what happens when you do not observe the rules.”

Delia also spoke about recent claims about alleged payments received by OPM chief of staff Keith Schembri a few weeks after the infamous Azerbaijan trip in 2014. “Azerbaijan is the most corrupt country in the world. Soon after being elected to power, Muscat chose this country, out of all other countries, to do business with,” Delia said.

“Now it has emerged that Keith Schembri received $430,000. I asked the PM and waved it off as spin. More details have now come out, so I will ask the PM once again: did you know about the money? Where did it come from? What was it for?”

The PN leader also reacted to the news that the Financial Intelligence Analysis Unit (FIAU) is being investigated by the European Banking Authority. “The authority that is supposed to investigate the MFSA is itself being investigated. And no one takes responsibility in this country. Finance Minister Edward Scicluna has both the MFSA and the FIAU under investigation. This is where Malta’s reputation is at right now. They have destroyed Malta’s good name and still refuse to shoulder responsibility,” said Delia, insisting that those who erred should resign.

He also spoke about the relentless construction works taking place around the island, saying that localities like Gzira and Sliema were “under siege.” Delia appealed for development to be done properly and in a sustainable manner.

He reiterated that the surplus is not reaching everyone and, turning to the IVF amendments controversy, insisted that the PN will not stop being a voice for the unborn child.

“The line between life and death should never be crossed,” Delia said. “For the government there is no dilemma because for them an embryo does not represent human life.”

The PN leader said he was satisfied with the government ‘retreat’ on surrogacy, which will now be presented in a separate bill, saying that the change of heart came after the pressure mounted by the Opposition.

Reacting, the Labour Party said Delia was negative and in a panic because he does not feel trusted.

It said he had spoken without knowing the facts, in a bid to win the support of nationalist supporters. The PL said poverty levels were currently in the lowest level in years.

He had also accused the government of stealing from people when this government was refunding tax people were illegally made to pay on vehicle registration, had reviewed pensions and was paying police officers overtime that had been due to them for many years.