Update
PM Robert Abela expresses support for Chris Fearne, reacts to call for war by PN
Prime Minister Robert Abela stood by Chris Fearne on Sunday, vowing to dedicate his life to those who sacrifice their own lives to bring the country together while also defending his controversial criticisms on the media, judiciary, and the Establishment. “Chris, the Labour Party is proud of you. Malta is proud of you,” Abela said. “To those who bring our country together, I will dedicate my life to you,” Abela said to applause, promising to never allow anyone to move the country backwards. People like Fearne, who set aside their lives for the better of the country, should never face injustices, he continued. Moving on to Bernard Grech, the PM criticised the PN leader for calling for a “war” against the government. “I told you on May 1, do not fall for provocation,” he said, once again referencing the Establishment as a roadblock for the PL government. Abela called on the public to fight the PN’s provocations with love for the country and to use their vote in the upcoming MEP elections. “Lend me your faith so that we can strengthen your government to continue… bringing Malta together.” (MaltaToday)
PM isolated himself in a corner of his making – PN Leader Bernard Grech
The Prime Minister has isolated himself in a corner of his making, Nationalist leader Bernard Grech said on Sunday, as he continues to focus on retaining power. Speaking in San Ġwann, Grech condemned the government for a lack of responsibility in the face of a political crisis. “I cannot not talk about how the Prime Minister… is isolated in a corner, a corner he walked into,” Grech said. Malta is in “a democratic crisis” because of the Vitals hospitals deal, Bernard Grech added. “The democratic crisis is so serious that even the president of the republic spoke out.” Students, academics, business lobbies, social partners and NGOs have also said Malta is in upheaval, he added. “The prime minister is distracted, isolated and put himself into a corner through the choices he made. “Between the common good and his personal gain, Abela chooses the latter,” the PN leader said. (Times of Malta/MaltaToday)
Three injured in two separate arguments
Three people were injured – two of them grievously – in two separate arguments, the police said in statements on Sunday morning. The police received the first report about an argument between three men on Triq it-Turisti, St Paul’s Bay, at around 9pm on Saturday. The men involved in the quarrel were all Turkish nationals aged 25, 38 and 52 who live in St Paul’s Bay. The 25-year-old was arrested on site, while the other two, who had suffered injuries allegedly from a weapon with a blade, were rushed to Mater Dei Hospital. The 38-year-old suffered grievous injuries, while the other man suffered slight injuries. Some six hours later, the police were informed that another man who suffered grievous injuries from an argument in Ta’ Xbiex, had also been admitted to Mater Dei. The man – a 32-year-old man from the Philippines who lives in Marsa – was involved in an argument in a bar at around 1am on Sunday. (Times of Malta)
Morning Briefing
Miriam Dalli emerges as favourite for Commissioner role
Miriam Dalli has emerged in a strong position to succeed Chris Fearne as the choice for Malta’s next European Commissioner. Although no decision has been made yet and internal discussions on this matter are limited, Fearne’s recent resignation has created a significant vacancy for this prestigious role. Media reports suggest that Labour insiders have mixed feelings on the move, considering Dalli as a safe bet, but at the same time against losing out on a Minister who is considered as popular with the electorate. Fearne,had his aspirations cut short due to pending fraud charges related to the privatisation of three state hospitals. Fearne asserts his innocence regarding these allegations. (Times of Malta)
Fearne will keep Labour Deputy Leadership post
Chris Fearne will continue serving as the Labour Party’s Deputy Leader for Parliamentary Affairs despite stepping down as DPM last Friday. Prime Minister Robert Abela, speaking to reporters after a meeting of Labour’s parliamentary group held less than a day after Fearne’s Cabinet resignation, stated that Fearne will retain his role as deputy leader of the party for now. The decision regarding Fearne’s replacement as the European Commissioner nominee will be made later, Abela added. When asked about his future as deputy leader, Fearne replied that it was a matter for the party to decide internally. (Maltatoday)
Government in crisis – PN
The Nationalist Party stated that the gathering of the Labour Party parliamentary group on Saturday indicates a crisis within the government. According to the Nationalist Party, Prime Minister Robert Abela’s focus is on self-preservation rather than the country’s welfare, evident in his decision to leave the position of deputy Prime Minister vacant. The PN took Abela to task for attempting to conceal the unprecedented accusations against the government, including fraud, money laundering, corruption, misappropriation and other severe offences. (The Malta Independent)
