PN up in arms as government proposes Konrad Mizzi as head of OSCE delegation

The government has proposed former Minister Konrad Mizzi as head of Malta’s delegation to the Parliamentary Assembly of the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE).

The proposal was made during Monday’s parliamentary sitting, drawing scathing criticism from the Opposition.

Mizzi, who, along with former OPM Chief of Staff Keith Schembri had opened a company in the secretive jurisdiction of Panama, resigned as Tourism Minister on 26 November.

The resignation was linked to his alleged connections with Yorgen Fenech, who stands charged with complicity in the murder of Daphne Caruana Galizia. Fenech formed part of the Electrogas power station deal, awarded by Mizzi’s former ministry.

Yorgen Fenech was also named as the owner of 17 Black, a company which, according to leaked FIAU reports, was to be used to transfer funds to Mizzi’s Panama company.

The motion proposing Mizzi as head of Malta’s delegation to the OSCE was moved by Deputy Minister Chris Fearne, who is also Leader of the House.

He would replace Rosianne Cutajar, who was appointed Parliamentary Secretary for Equality and Reforms by PM Robert Abela.

PN Deputy Leader David Agius said the Opposition was opposing the nomination. He requested a division, and a vote will be taken during another sitting.

Several PN MPs have criticised the move, saying that Mizzi is unfit for the post.

In a statement, the PN said: “Robert Abela’s decision to appoint disgraced former Panama Papers Minister Konrad Mizzi to head Malta’s delegation to the OSCE is in line with Joseph Muscat’s way of doing politics: promoting disgraced politicians at the expense of Malta's reputation. Prime Minister Abela is more of the same.”