Demonstrators rally in Valletta in wake of Vitals developments
Demonstrators loudly booed and chanted “mafia, mafia” at Labour MPs as they departed from Parliament on Monday. The gathering was part of a protest sparked by the damning public hospitals’ inquiry and the subsequent filing of criminal charges against several top officials, including former PM Joseph Muscat. The MPs exited parliament under police barriers and took a route away from the crowd along a side street. No incidents were reported. PN leader Bernard Grech, addressed the protesters, calling out PM Robert Abela for what he described as attacks on crucial pillars of democracy. Grech accused Abela of targeting journalists, the parliamentary process, and the judiciary simultaneously, stating that the country is once again being dragged through a period of turmoil. (Times of Malta)
PM to absorb Fearne’s portfolio
Former Deputy Prime Minister Chris Fearne will not be replaced in Cabinet, with his portfolio being absorbed within the Office of the Prime Minister. In a statement on Monday, the Office of the Prime Minister said that it would be assuming on itself Fearne’s portfolio which included EU Funds, Equality, Reforms and Social Dialogue. Fearne resigned his post – despite Prime Minister Robert Abela’s best efforts to convince him otherwise – as Deputy Prime Minister on Friday after he was charged in connection with the hospitals inquiry. (The Malta Independent)
Speaker rules against debate on callfor Governor’s resignation
Speaker of the House Anglu Farrugia has rejected an urgent debate request from the Opposition regarding the failure of public officials charged in connection with the Vitals case to resign. The Opposition was demanding the resignation of Central Bank Governor Edward Scicluna after he was charged in connection with the Vitals’ scandal. Farrugia determined that a parliamentary discussion on the inquiry, including the proposed debate for that day, despite its public importance, could potentially prejudice ongoing criminal proceedings against the implicated individuals. (Maltatoday)
