Joseph Muscat expects to be charged after conclusion of Vitals inquiry
During a court session on Tuesday, it was disclosed that a magisterial inquiry examining Joseph Muscat and other ministers’ involvement in the Vitals deal concerning the privatization of three state hospitals has been completed. Attorney General Victoria Buttigieg is now tasked with analyzing the inquiry findings along with the 78 boxes of evidence it encompasses, in order to determine whether criminal charges should be brought against individuals implicated. Muscat, who has been engaged in a year-long dispute with the inquiry, characterized it as a personal vendetta and accused Magistrate Gabriella Vella, who headed the investigation, of launching an offensive against himself and the Labour Party. During a press conference on Tuesday afternoon, Muscat remarked, “The institutions are functioning – functioning against Labour supporters.” He expressed certainty that he would face criminal charges as a result of the probe but asserted that he harboured no fear. (Times of Malta)
PL, PN react Vitals inquiry concluson
Prime Minister Robert Abela has asserted that the timing of the completion of the magisterial inquiry into the sale of three public hospitals to Vitals Global Healthcare is suspicious and attributed it to what he referred to as “the establishment.” Speaking to reporters on Tuesday afternoon, Abela hinted at a group of individuals operating behind the scenes, who “do not forgive or forget” and believe they have an innate entitlement to govern. The PM emphasized that voters must make a choice and determine whether they will allow “the establishment to usurp the country’s leadership sovereignty.”
PN leader Bernard Grech criticised Prime Minister Robert Abela and former Prime Minister Joseph Muscat for their actions against the institutions, preventing the return of the hospitals, and obstructing the exposure of those accountable for the Vitals deal scandal. Grech highlighted that Abela and Muscat initially worked to keep the Karin Grech Rehabilitation Hospital, St. Luke’s Hospital, and the Gozo General Hospital under the concessionaire’s control. He accused them of currently obstructing justice for the Maltese and Gozitan people by impeding the courts from revealing and confirming the individuals responsible for the theft and fraud committed. (Maltatoday/Independent)
Woman in danger of dying after Gozo quadbike incident
A woman is in critical condition following a traffic accident in Gozo on Tuesday Żebbuġ, Gozo. Preliminary findings indicate that the 32-year-old French citizen was injured when she lost control of the quad bike Segway Snarler she was operating, causing it to overturn. Emergency medical services arrived at the scene, and the woman was taken to Gozo General Hospital for treatment by ambulance. Her injuries are described as severe. Magistrate Simone Grech is conducting an inquiry, while police investigations are ongoing.
