PN Boycotts EU Celebrations Because It ‘Can’t Be Present With Robert Abela’
Opposition Leader Bernard Grech has announced that the PN will boycott a national activity to commemorate the 20th anniversary of Malta’s EU accession in protest at Prime Minister Robert Abela’s criticism of magistrate Gabriella Vella.
“Tonight the Prime Minister will host activities related to the 20-year anniversary of Malta’s EU accession,” Grech said.
“Twenty years later, we are living in a country where the Prime Minister and the government are engaged in a continuous attack against the judiciary because they are doing their job and ensuring justice is done against those who robbed the Maltese healthcare system.”
“As a result, the PN parliamentary group and myself won’t attend these celebrations because we cannot be present with a Prime Minister and a government that are acting against the Maltese and European democratic principles that we should be celebrating.”
Magistrate Gabriella Vella recently concluded an inquiry, requested by Repubblika four and a half years ago, into the hospitals deal and sent a copy to the Attorney General.
Robert Abela has criticised the magistrate for concluding the inquiry a few weeks before the MEP and local council elections, warning that it a clear political manoeuvre.
“The inquiry should have taken two months to conclude, but it took four and a half years and concluded at the start of the election campaign,” Abela said. “I respect the judiciary, and the government has shown this through reforms to improve its autonomy and work conditions, but as the head of the executive, it is my duty to serve as a check and balance on other institutions.”
“I must express my concern that the timeline leaves no doubt that the inquiry’s conclusion was intended to hinder the political timeline.”
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