I would definitely not take lessons on good governance from Adrian Delia - Robert Abela
Prime Minster Robert Abela said that he did not need the help of Opposition leader Adrian Delia to know how to have good governance in Malta, and would never think of taking lessons on the topic from Delia.
Speaking in Qormi, Abela addressed Delia’s publication of the Procurement Evaluation Report on the hospitals privatisation deal.
Delia said on Saturday that the report had been kept hidden by the government. "This is more than corruption," he had said, adding that it was premeditated for the consortium to fail and make millions off the Maltese taxpayer.
Abela replied to these claims by saying that what Delia thinks is his winning card will actually turn out to be his losing card. “The Opposition leader has told me to figure out what to do after he published this document. But in reality, I set up a number of committees, from my very first days in office, and told them to give me a full stock take of the situation so that I can take decisions.”
“This is the way a serious government does things. I was in no need of any lessons or meetings with the Opposition leader to know what good governance means. I’m sure that I would not take lessons on good governance from Adrian Delia,” Abela said.
During his speech, he also mentioned that he had asked Delia to consult with him regarding the Individual Investor Programme (IIP) but Delia did not want to cooperate as he was firm on his decision that the scheme should be stopped.
While acknowledging that the IIP needs to be strengthened and changed in some areas, the removal of the scheme is not in the country’s best interest, the PM said, adding that the IIP brings with it a number of benefits.
Additionally, Abela expressed the disappointment he felt when he asked to meet with all of Malta’s MEPs in a single meeting last week, by the Nationalist MEPs refused.
“My reply was, ‘I am still willing to meet you alone, which I did, but I was disappointed once again with the message they delivered – one that is full of negativity towards our country,” Abela said.
“I welcome criticism but I am disposed to working with those who love our country.”
Abela also said the government is determined to make the environment a priority and see that more women are involved in politics. Additionally, it will be looking at the influx of migrants coming to Malta, which is a clear indication that the EU’s burden-sharing scheme is not really effective and needs revision.
He said that some of the decisions that will need to be made in this regard might need the approval of two-thirds of Parliament and that despite the PN’s resistance, “I will keep offering the hand of cooperation with the PN.”