Protest Number Three: Bernard Grech Announces Third Demonstration Against Vitals-Steward Deal
Opposition Leader Bernard Grech has called a protest outside Parliament for Thursday against the Vitals-Steward deal, in what would be its third such demonstration in recent weeks.
“If you have been feeling heartbroken for a while and feel weak by yourself, you can feel strong once more together with your Maltese siblings,” Grech told a PN rally in St Paul’s Bay this morning.
“United with everyone, you can be stronger than corrupt politicians and those who got into government with the intention of stealing. We have a duty to keep speaking out and giving hope and together it’s possible to find courage. This is the moment for people to have faith. People have a right to make their voices heard and we have a duty to strengthen their voice.”
The protest will coincide with a debate in Parliament on an Opposition motion calling for the government to file legal proceedings against Steward to return the public funds it had received throughout the duration of the concession.
“Now that Robert Abela is telling us he will refund our money, then he should vote with us on Thursday without changing the motion at all,” Grech said.
Earlier today, Abela pledged for the first time that the government will demand Steward refund public funds it received for services it never ended up carrying out.
“Over the past years, the government paid Steward money and Steward provided a range of medical services at Karin Grech and the Gozo General Hospital.”
“However, in those cases where the government paid Steward money and they didn’t honour their obligations, the government will be very strong and ask Steward to refund the money back. We will safeguard the national interest.”
While he didn’t specify what stance the government will take on the PN’s motion, he accused the Opposition of embarking on a path of “populism and partisanship”.
Will you attend the protest?
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