Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1531497
2 NEWS maltatoday | WEDNESDAY • 15 JANUARY 2025 2 MATTHEW FARRUGIA mfarrugia@mediatoday.com.mt THE Labour government, first led by Joseph Muscat and now by Robert Abela, has consistently prioritised personal and political gain over the welfare of the Mal- tese people, the Nationalist Party stated on Tuesday. In a press conference, the PN said that the Electrogas power station project, once touted as a transformative energy initiative, has been revealed as a vehicle for profiteering and corruption, leav- ing citizens to bear the financial and moral costs of the deceit. The opposition stated that since its inception, the Electrogas pro- ject was less about addressing Malta's energy needs and more about enriching those in power. They blasted the fact that, rath- er than ensuring accountability, Robert Abela continues to shield those implicated, further eroding public trust in his leadership. The PN once again demanded the full publication of the magiste- rial inquiry into 17 Black scandal. They recalled how during nu- merous Public Accounts Com- mittee (PAC) sessions led by Dar- ren Carabott and Beppe Fenech Adami, the opposition had scruti- nised the Electrogas project. Despite dozens of sessions and countless testimonies, key ques- tions remain unanswered. They reminded how witnesses, includ- ing Keith Schembri, Karl Cini, and Brian Tonna, evaded accountabil- ity, often refusing to provide sub- stantive responses. "Former Prime Minister Joseph Muscat was even caught reading out answers prepared by his sec- retary during a session in which he was meant to testify about this fraud." The PN noted that the PAC hearings have also exposed La- bour MPs' defending those im- plicated, prioritising party loyalty over public accountability. "As long as Robert Abela con- tinues to defend individuals who stand accused of criminal activity, he is choosing those who robbed the people over the very people he claims to represent." Joseph Muscat, Robert Abela continuously prioritised personal and political gain, PN says MATTHEW FARRUGIA mfarrugia@mediatoday.com.mt Government tables controversial bill to amend access to magisterial inquiries GOVERNMENT has tabled its controversial amendment that would change the way magiste- rial inquiries are initiated. No details of the amendments have yet been made public, but it is understood that gov- ernment wishes to change the accessibility for ordinary cit- izens to request a magisterial inquiry. Last week, Prime Minister Robert Abela once again took issue with the manner in which such magisterial inquiries are requested when he was asked about the conclusion of the 17 Black inquiry, which was initi- ated by then-PN leader Simon Busuttil, as a private citizen. Abela had specifically spoken about "abuse" of the right to request magisterial inquiries by Jason Azzopardi, who request- ed at least three magisterial in- quiries between December and January. "Robert Abela is terrified of truth and justice" - PN In response, Nationalist MPs unanimously voted against the first reading of the amendment in parliament. In a statement, the PN said that the rushed proposed amendments aim to curtail magisterial inquiries and pro- vide immunity to corrupt poli- ticians and their associates. The opposition said that the amendments serve to protect wrongdoers rather than up- hold justice for the Maltese and Gozitan people. The PN has called for a divi- sion on the bill in the coming weeks, pledging to vote against it at every stage of the parlia- mentary process. "Robert Abela's plan is to fur- ther undermine the rule of law in our country by hindering and interfering with the duties of our judges and magistrates. Now, he also wants to deprive Maltese and Gozitan citizens of the right to request the open- ing of magisterial inquiries." The PN concluded by stating that Abela is terrified of the truth and justice because he is leading a government mired in corruption and abuse of power. The statement was signed by the PN's spokesperson for jus- tice, Karol Aquilina. "As long as Robert Abela continues to defend individuals who stand accused of criminal activity, he is choosing those who robbed the people over the very people he claims to represent," the PN said No details of the amendments have yet been made public, but it is understood that government wishes to change the accessibility for ordinary citizens to request a magisterial inquiry