Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1520358
8 maltatoday | WEDNESDAY • 8 MAY 2024 NEWS MARIANNA CALLEJA mcalleja@mediatoday.com.mt LABOUR MEP candidate Daniel Attard accused Nationalist MEP David Casa of waging a "holy war against Labourites" during TVM's Xtra, an accusation re- futed by PN candidates. Casa was not present in the programme broadcast on Mon- day but fellow MEP candidate David Agius rinsisted the Na- tionalist Party was in a "holy war against the corrupt". Attard was referring to Ca- sa's speech on Sunday, during which the PN MEP emphasised his commitment to "wage war" against the "mafia in Castille". The PL has twisted Casa's words in its propaganda to fo- ment fear among Labour voters that the PN was intent on ostra- cising them. During Xtra, Attard tried to evoke nostalgia by referring to the 1960s conflict between the PL and the church, during which PL supporters were interdicted. He urged PN candidates to dis- associate themselves from Casa's words and urged voters to re- spond to Casa's rhetoric through their vote. Labour MEP candidate Steve Ellul was on cue, accusing PN MEPs and candidates of working "against the Maltese". But PN MEP candidate David Agius refuted the interpretation of the Labour candidates, in- sisting the PN was waging war against "the corrupt". "If Daniel, or anybody in the Labour Party is feeling that we are waging a war against them when we want to wage a war against the cor- rupt, that is their problem." Agius reiterated that the hospi- tals inquiry should be published so that people have all the facts at hand. PN MEP candidate Norma Camilleri said the PN's battle was against corruption, contrary to what the PL was implying. Xtra: A story of two 'holy wars' as MEP candidates trade barbs on corruption Labour MEP candidate Daniel Attard accuses MEP David Casa of waging a war against Labour supporters. CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 However, Bajada dodged it and said "I'm going to ask another question – what do the young people want? Defi- nitely not to go to court, but that when or if they do they get justice. Justice for everyone, without precudice or any type doubt." "We saw that the magistrate length- ened an inquiry of 60 days to four and a half years without disputing the fact there were many details that need to be analysed." Here, he referenced the 78 boxes of evidence that came from the inquiry and need to be assessed by the Attorney General and her team. "The reality isn't about boxes and what's in them. The reality is that the prime minister called for the inquiry to be published, he was the first person to do this because he has the interest of everyone in mind. But what's the reali- ty? It's that doubts are being raised that can result in prejudice." "We're in a situation in Malta where sensitive things are becoming politi- cised. Such an important and sensitive inquiry was concluded in the middle of an electoral campaign. Me, as a youth, it hurts me because I felt that I was go- ing out for the elections to talk about important elements that affect youths." The mediator, MaltaToday journalist Matthew Vella, quickly intercepted and said that the same thing can be said for the timings of the presidential pardons that were given to those who benefit- ted from the social benefits racket (not those who perpetuated it). Here Marie Louise Anne Pulis from the PN added "and the cheques, and so- cial housing". Bajada did not respond to this and ar- gued that they are not letting him speak, before continuing on his point that the Vitalis inquiry is being turned into trib- alist politics. "Instead of spending the next few weeks speaking about what Malta needs from the EU, we're going to be con- fronted with tribalism politics. And that hurts me." Independent candidate Conrad Borg Manche then gave his comments on tribalism politics in Malta. "Tribalism is the thing that hurt this country the most." He explained that in his 40 years of liv- ing, every election he can remember has been centred around the corruption of the other party. "The elections are won because of the corruption of the party before. This is what Malta needs to see, we cannot re- main a country with two parties fight- ing while we have to pick the best out of two evils." He concluded by saying how happy and relaxed he felt to be sitting at the debate as an independent candidate without the obligation to attack, be at- tacked, or defend the bad of someone else." Meanwhile, at the start of the debate, ADPD candidate Sandra Gauci strong- ly censured Abela's comments calling them "irresponsible, if not criminal". The debate was organised in collabo- ration with MaltaToday, LovinMalta, Ewropej, and MCAST. This article is part of a content series called Ewropej. This is a multi-newsroom initiative part-funded by the European Parliament to bring the work of the EP closer to the citizens of Malta and keep them informed about matters that affect their daily lives. This article reflects only the author's view. The action was co-financed by the European Union in the frame of the European Parliament's grant programme in the field of communication. The European Parliament was not involved in its preparation and is, in no case, responsible for or bound by the information or opinions expressed in the context of this action. In accordance with applicable law, the authors, interviewed people, publishers or programme broadcasters are solely responsible. The European Parliament can also not be held liable for direct or indirect damage that may result from the implementation of the action. PL MEP candidate insinuates Vitals Inquiry conclusions were politically timed Former MaltaToday editor Matthew Vella moderated the panel discussion between the MEP election candidates at MCAST