‘Trying To Win Political Cookie Points’: Alex Agius Saliba Calls Out EU Resolution Condemning Corruption In Malta
Labour MEP Alex Agius Saliba called out a European Parliament resolution spearheaded by PN MEP David Casa which, among other things, calls out the institutionalised corruption within the Maltese government.
“Having David Casa pleading with the Commission and fellow MEPs to be harsher on Malta is a testament to the fact that the real intention of the resolution was not that of safeguarding journalists but that of moving forward half-truths and suppositions to try to win a few political cookie points!” Agius Saliba told Lovin Malta.
The resolution considers the respect of the rule of law in Malta, “six years after the assassination of Daphne Caruana Galizia, and the need to protect journalists”. It further calls out Prime Minister Robert Abela for “downplaying institutionalised corruption to entrench the culture of impunity for public officials allegedly embroiled in scandals”.
It speaks up for and takes stock of the state of the rule of law, democracy, and media freedom in Malta.
The debates and votes on this resolution, moved by the EPP, the S&D, Renew, the Greens, and the Left, occurred last week and MEPs from all over the union called out Malta’s behaviour as well as the recent slew of scandals revealed on the island.
The resolution was approved with 437 votes to 14, and 66 abstentions. Only two MEPs out of the Socialist and Democrats group voted against the resolution – the Labour MEPs Alex Agius Saliba and Josianne Cutajar; Cyrus Engerer left the plenary without voting, while Alfred Sant was not present for the sitting.
However, member of the S&D group Agius Saliba has called out the resolution, stating that it is “another attempt by the Nationalist Party MEPs and EPP to use the killing of Daphne Caruana Galizia to make another senseless attack on Malta”.
“They have totally lost control when moving forward such resolutions that we ended up having a text which is trying to force abortion as a fundamental right in Malta.”
When asked whether or not he agrees that Abela has downplayed institutionalised corruption in Malta, especially with regards to his comments defending former Transport Minister Ian Borg and his part in the driving license racket, as well as his statement implying that the courts are biased toward PN in response to the final decision on the Vtials-Steward Hospital case, Agius Saliba decided not to comment.
This action was co-financed by the European Union in the frame of the European Parliament’s grant programme in the field of communication. The European Parliament was not involved in its preparation and is, in no case, responsible for or bound by the information or opinions expressed in the context of this action. In accordance with applicable law, the authors, interviewed people, publishers or programme broadcasters are solely responsible. The European Parliament can also not be held liable for direct or indirect damage that may result from the implementation of the action.
Do you agree that this resolution is just a “senseless” attack on Malta?
READ NEXT: Enemalta CEO Sacking Confirmed Months After Energy Minister Denied Allegations
