The resignation of Manfred Galdes, Director of the Financial Intelligence Analysis Unit (FIAU) is very worrying as it signifies that another independent person entrusted with monitoring fiscal governance has resigned from his post, Carmel Cacopardo, Deputy Chairperson of Alternattiva Demokratika – The Green Party, said.

Alternattiva Demokratika said it does not accept the explanation that Manfred Galdes resigned to take up employment in the public sector as suggested by the Minister for Finance.  He has most probably resigned as he is witnessing the collapse of national institutions with a number of them becoming government yesmen. It is obvious that as a result of his resignation from FIAU he must seek employment elsewhere to earn a living.

Last April the Minister for Finance had announced that the FIAU of which Manfred Galdes was the Director, was investigating issues of money laundering in Panama with reference to the media reports relative to the Prime Minister’s Chief of Staff Keith Schembri and Minister Konrad Mizzi.  Although there are indications that this investigation has been concluded, this is by no means a certainty, even though the latest resignation of Commissioner of Police Cassar has been linked to the matter.

In this context, Mr Cacopardo said, the silence of the Attorney General, who is also the Financial Intelligence Analysis Unit's Chairman is worrying. At this sensitive point in time he has the duty to explain what is going on.