Here’s How Ministers Reacted To Malta’s ‘Unjust’ Greylisting
Members of the Financial Action Task Force have voted to add Malta to its grey list, a decision that has seemingly shocked the members of the Labour administration.
Malta is the first member state of the European Union to be added to the money-laundering grey list which could cause serious repercussions on the island’s economy.
Naturally, several ministers and Labour administration members took to Facebook to react to this new development, and it seems safe to say that they share certain commonalities in their opinions. So here’s a compilation of their responses, so you can figure that one out yourselves.
1. Prime Minister Robert Abela
Abela considers this decision to be “unjust.”
However, he proceeded by assuring that Malta will continue to build on the reforms that have already been implemented to face this challenge and ultimately move forward.
https://www.facebook.com/robertabela.mt/photos/a.1358031280957133/4147487735344793/
2. Minister for Social Justice and Solidarity, the Family and Children’s Rights Michael Falzon
Falzon agrees that this wasn’t fair. But, he has faith in the Prime Minister and the government’s overall focus on the national interest.
https://www.facebook.com/michael.falzon/photos/a.601476726591343/6022480731157555/
3. Minister for European and Foreign Affairs Everist Bartolo
By the way, Minister Evarist Bartolo also thinks that this is an “unjust decision.”
Bartolo continued by pointing out the several improvements that were effectuated. This includes an investment of 127 million euros that was utilised to strengthen the structures that protect against money laundering and the financing of terrorism.
https://www.facebook.com/evarist.bartolo/posts/4083944628320738
7. Minister for Gozo Clint Camilleri
Camilleri agrees that it’s ‘unjust,’ but it’s also ‘disappointing.’
https://www.facebook.com/ClintCamilleriMP/photos/a.1420602448152921/3022492397963910/
8. Minister for Home Affairs, Law Enforcement and National Security Byron Camilleri
Minister Byron Camilleri claims that the country “doesn’t deserve” this.
Nonetheless, Camilleri believes that Malta’s “strong government” will continue working hard by implementing reforms in both Malta and Gozo.
https://www.facebook.com/DrByronCamilleri/photos/a.1475679859146216/4155159457864896/
9. Minister within the Office of the Prime Minister Carmelo Abela.
Carmelo Abela doesn’t seem to think that this is unjust, he simply wants honesty, positivity, and to keep moving forward.
https://www.facebook.com/abelacarmelo/photos/a.1414193628880359/2682419138724462/
Malta’s ministers seem to agree with the Prime Minister’s assessment of the situation. They may consider the decision to be “unjust” but still remain confident in the government’s ability to tackle this new challenge and emerge on the other side.
Do you think the decision to grey list Malta is unjust?
READ NEXT: Malta’s MEPs Have Their Say On FATF Greylisting: It's 'Unjust' Or 'Robert Abela Is Missing The Point'
