UPDATE
Chris Fearne agrees to remain Labour Party deputy leader
Chris Fearne will remain as deputy leader of the Labour Party, Robert Abela said on Saturday following a meeting of his MPs. “Chris Fearne has my absolute trust. Of course he will remain the deputy leader,” Abela told reporters in answer to questions as he entered the meeting. Abela confirmed that decision as he exited the hour-long meeting, saying Labour’s parliamentary group wanted Fearne to stay, and he had agreed to it. He also said it was still too early to announce who would take Fearne’s place as Malta’s nominee for EU commissioner.
PN Leader urges people to answer the country’s call
PN leader Bernard Grech has urged the people of Malta vote on June 8 and invited the public to gather in front of parliament on Monday “to send a message that the Government can’t go on like this.” In an interview with MaltaToday editor Kurt Sansone on Saturday. Grech said his party had already started working for a better Malta and was listening to the people who, he said were “fed up of the sleaze and corruption and are beginning to understand that the PN is defending their interests, not that of cliques.
Diver dies
A diver has died in Dwejra on Saturday, the police said. The accident took place at around 10.20am. The diver, a 44-year-old woman from Switzerland, found herself in difficulty and was taken ashore by other divers. She was given first assistance but died on site some time later. Magistrate Simone Grech is leading an inquiry.
Morning Briefing
Joseph Muscat to appear in court on May 28
Former Prime Minister Joseph Muscat is scheduled to appear in court to respond to criminal charges on May 28. The Times of Malta revealed that Magistrate Rachel Montebello has allocated a court session on Tuesday, May 28 for Muscat and other individuals facing charges related to the hospitals privatisation deal to attend court. Muscat, who denies the accusations levelled at him, has been charged under court summons, rather than arrest. The inquiry report has not yet been made public, although Muscat has been granted partial access following a court case he filed. (Times of Malta)
PM urges Fearne to reconsider resignation decision
Prime Minister Robert Abela has urged Chris Fearne to review his decision to resign from the positions of Deputy Prime Minister and Minister. In a letter addressed to Fearne, who had just announced his immediate resignation from the roles of Deputy Prime Minister and EU Funds Minister and requested the withdrawal of his nomination as European Commissioner, Abela expressed his unwavering trust in the politician. “For the reasons I have previously stated, highlighting your integrity and competence, I kindly ask you to reconsider your decision as stated,” Abela wrote. Abela acknowledged Fearne’s steadfast support and emphasized the significant contributions Fearne has made to the country, particularly during challenging times. Fearne, who currently serves as Minister of European Funds, Equality, Reforms, and Social Dialogue, clarified that his resignation was not an admission of any wrongdoing but rather a decision made in the best interests of all involved. (The Malta Independent)
PN calls for CBM Governor’s resignation in wake of criminal charges
The Nationalist Party has called for the removal of the Governor of the Central Bank of Malta Edward Scicluna, who faces criminal charges over the Vitals inquiry. The Party said that Scicluna, a former Minister, must be removed immediately from his role, as well as his role in the governing council of the European Central Bank (ECB). Recalling Scicluna’s other roles on the Board of the MFSA, on the ECB, IMF, EBRD and World Bank, the PN said that after the period in which our country was the only European Union country on the grey list of the Financial Action Task Force a few years ago, together with many international scandals related to the Maltese Government, negatively impacting the country’s reputation, it is “inconceivable” that Scicluna did not assume responsible action and resign from the various sensitive positions he holds. (Maltatoday)
