Crossing the Rubicon

The results of the Egrant inquiry have radically shifted the ground beneath people’s feet. It is time to take our bearings.

While many questions remain, it is clear that there is no evidence linking it to Michelle Muscat. An independent investigation must now begin to identify who owns Egrant and discover the story behind the forged signatures. It is in the interests of the innocent to establish these facts, just as it is in the national interest.

Last year, the government claimed that Egrant was a lie planted by Russia to topple Muscat, according to “allied intelligence”. I would like to know what happened and why the government never mentioned this again. Was it incorrect information? If it was accurate, why has it never been repeated? So far, there is no sign of Russia in the inquiry. One also wonders if Brian Tonna or Ali Sadr might not have helped the truth become known earlier.

It is also clear that the consequences of Egrant cannot be swept under the carpet. A political price is already being paid by the Nationalist Party. However, it is crucial that Egrant is not confused with other entirely separate scandals. In the case of the Panama Papers, those implicated directly and indirectly are appealing the decision to even begin an investigation. It betrays a two weights and two measures approach to the truth. Is the pursuit of truth only desirable when the conclusions would be convenient? What about Chris Cardona trying to block mobile records tracking his location, and similar stories? Why obstruct justice?

As we move forward, one must point out that the Opposition quickly dropped Egrant from its vocabulary when it became clear that there was a seri- ous lack of evidence. Partit Demokratiku never took up the cry to begin with. Another tragedy is how Egrant has not only overshadowed other more evident pressing scandals, but also how it can give the impression that it was the foundation of last year’s general election campaign. It was the most visible aspect, but should not now undermine all the good work done before and after. In fact, one of the criticisms of the Forza Nazzjonali manifesto was that it was too extensive and too detailed. There was a positive vision for the country, including institutional reform.

It is now more crucial than ever to take the fight for good governance to the next step. If the Prime Minister is indeed innocent of this crime, it would have been in his best interests that people trust our institutions implicitly. Were our institutions more transparent, consistent and reliable, there would be far less doubt now about the inquiry, and Muscat may have had a larger victory.

It is no wonder that there is much left to be desired in the rule of law and good governance when the Prime Minister is able to appoint most key positions in the country, from judges to the Chief Justice, to the Police Commissioner and beyond. Their failure to act consistently raises suspicion and negatively affects the social fabric, which depends on faith in our justice system.

Again, one questions why the government is trying to stop an investigation into the Panama Papers. A few days after the Egrant inquiry was released, the Attorney General, who is both paradoxically the lawyer and prosecutor for the government, appealed a decision by the Constitutional Court to remove Mr Justice Mizzi from the Panama Papers case.

The Constitutional Court saw a conflict of interest in Mr Justice Mizzi’s role in the case, due to his close connection to the Labour Party through mar- riage. The Attorney General’s timing raises many questions which further weaken our faith in public institutions. This serves nobody except those who might actually have something to hide.

I will conclude by saying that Partit Demokratiku’s pursuit of a sustainable and ethical economy, good governance and social justice are clear. We wish to unite rather than divide. It is for that reason, and with respect for the rule of law, that I accept the magistrate’s findings on Egrant.

That does not mean, however, that one is not allowed to ask further questions and demand answers. Similarly, I will not accuse Keith Schembri and Konrad Mizzi of attempting to launder money, but indeed, I ask that the appeal against investigating the Panama Papers be dropped. The truth is not fragile. Let no innocent man live in the shadows like a guilty one. Let the inquiry commence. Let the truth come out.