‘Concerted Attack From The Usual Suspects’: Joseph Muscat Hits Back After New Financial Revelations
Joseph Muscat has responded to the publication of a new investigation into the Steward-Vitals hospital deals money trails, referring to this publication as a “concerted attack by the usual suspects”.
Amongst the numerous revelations from the Times of Malta, OCCRP and The Shift News investigation was one that Joseph Muscat was involved in the attempted acquisition of the Crystal Palace Premier League football team.
“I am no longer in politics,” said the former PL PM in a post to social media. “But even alone I’ll keep fighting for the truth.”
“I will chose where and how I reply,” he continued before sharing four points.
Muscat outlined his response in brief:
- He has always been paid for the work he carried out
- This news is the result of “obvious leaks” from work being done by Magistrate Gabriella Vella
- He declares his income and pays his taxes – “contrary to others”
- He will ensure that “those who are manipulating facts are pursued through justice when the time comes”
It is difficult to praise a figure with a defence relying on “I pay my taxes” (which should probably be considered a political pre-requisite, but hey, this is Malta), particularly when that figure’s family has benefitted from a generous tax-funded severance package.
Paying your taxes is paying for your car – which some people have to do to drive it off the lot.
In response to Repubblika hosting a protest outside his Sa Maison office earlier this year, Muscat accused the activist group’s leader Robert Aquilina of acting as prosecutor, judge and jury.
He also indicated that he believed that Aquilina knew what was happening in the magisterial inquiry – which he may be pointing to once again in this latest post against “the usual suspects”.
At that time, the former PM added, “I welcome any scrutiny that can be made – because it can only confirm that I have always acted in the interest of the country.”
What do you make of the former PM’s response?
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