Corruption plagues Maltese/EU Presidency, foreign MEPs react

“The European Parliament Committee meetings about the Maltese Presidency priorities have so far been overshadowed by questions about corruption in Malta. Can you tell us something about this?” asked EPP Group MEP Sofia Ribeiro during a European Parliament Committee meeting. 

In a sense, this question reflected the mood of a packed European Parliament Committee meeting today which was intended to discuss the priorities of the Maltese Presidency of the European Council.

Ministers Evarist Bartolo, Helena Dalli and Michael Farrugia gave presentations about the priorities of the Maltese Presidency in the European Parliament Committee on Employment and Social Affairs.

“This Maltese Presidency of the EU Council is being undermined by widespread corruption in Malta. Yesterday, Transparency International confirmed that this is the most corrupt government in the history of Malta,” said David Casa MEP the Head of the PN delegation

Breaking all parliamentary rules, the Socialist Chair of the Committee pleaded with MEPs not to ask corruption-related questions. Notwithstanding this, MEPs ignored her completely and went on to voice their deep concerns and rage against this Maltese government.

MEP David Casa reminded MEPs that Minister Evarist Bartolo is at this very moment himself steeped in corruption scandals in Malta. 

European Liberals MEP Martina Dlabajova supported David Casa MEP and also said that the Maltese government is barely credible. “In a vote of confidence against one of your colleagues whose name was made public through the panama papers, you voted in favour of the minister and against the will of the people. How can we trust that you will put the citizens needs first during this presidency?" she said.

EPP Group MEP Sven Schulze said; “One of the biggest promises I hear coming out of Malta is that your government has promised to publish all contracts. This so far has not happened after many requests. Do you think this is fair on the Maltese citizens?”

Needless to say, the Maltese Ministers dodged all these questions.