Amidst Franco Debono Row, Economist Explains Why He Accepted Jon Mallia’s Podcast Invitation
Amidst a dispute between Franco Debono and Jon Mallia, economist Clint Flores has explained why he agreed to take part in Il-Podcast ta’ Jon.
“I accepted for a number of reasons,” Flores said. “When you’re in public life, you have to share your opinions. I have no problem sitting down next to anyone, including a journalist, to debate and rebut other arguments. Also one must give a clear explanation of their arguments through free thought.”
Flores has gained prominence in recent months for publishing a series of vlogs criticising the EU’s response to the Ukraine war and the danger posed to the global economy by its sanctions against Russia.
A current BOV official and former EU Council economist, he has also been touted as a potential PL candidate for the 2024 European Parliament election although no decision has been made.
“Many people are encouraging me to do many things,” Flores concluded yesterday. “However, those who aspire to public life should be ready for criticism, especially from within, and must remain resilient as though absolutely nothing had happened. What happens next is another story because everyone comes and goes.”
You can watch his full interview on Il-Podcast ta’ Jon, which was filmed on 1st September, below.
After receiving the invitation, Debono said he will only accept if Mallia “swears” not to profit off the interview. Many of Mallia’s followers criticised Debono’s attitude, questioning whether he offers his legal services free of charge.
However, yesterday the lawyer and former PN MP added a new line of criticism, warning that Mallia will “spout mistaken narratives that have been rejected by the public time and time again”.
“This narrative has been rejected in election after election and yet he doesn’t want to listen; this criticism will result in the PL staying in government for eternity,” Debono claimed. “If he raises these issues, I’ll have to rebut and shoot at certain people, which is one of the reasons I don’t want to go.”
Should Franco Debono accept Jon Mallia’s invitation?
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