Watch: ‘I Always Thought Of The Patient And The Country’, Chris Fearne Says Walking Into Court
Former Deputy Prime Minister Chris Fearne has said that, whatever decision he took while in power, he always did while thinking “of the patient and the country”.
Arriving in court moments ago as he is set to face criminal charges, Fearne took some time to speak to journalists in the square.
“Like every other citizen, I understand that I need to answer to my behaviour in court like I will today,” Fearne started. “In all the years I’ve spent, both as Health Minister and Deputy Prime Minister, I always behaved in the most correct way, so today I will begin defending and sustaining my integrity.”
“Whenever I took a decision, I always took it in favour of the patient and the country,” Fearne continued. “So much so that, recently, when I realised it was in the country’s best interest that I resign as Deputy Prime Minister, I didn’t stay thinking about it and I just did it.”
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“Obviously, I’m going to be defending myself in the court, not out here in the streets,” he continued. “But I do remind people that, back in 2016, shortly after becoming Health Minister, I was the one who asked for the Auditor General to investigate the concession of these three hospitals. The investigation was detailed and took seven years, and it provided three reports. The investigation exonerated me from every type of guilt or every shadow of guilt. So I will today begin my defence so that whatever was shown by the Auditor General will also be shown to the court.”
Fearne then walked off, with a small crowd surrounding him and shouting encouraging words.
Fearne is one of 14 people who are appearing in court today on charges related to the Vitals inquiry. Among them is also former Finance Minister and Central Bank Governor Edward Scicluna, who walked in shortly before him. Their charges carry a potential prison sentence of up to 12 and a half years.
We will keeping you posted with all the updates from the day.
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