The Opposition walked out of Parliament this afternoon as Minsiter-without-portfolio Konrad Mizzi took the floor to speak in the debate on the financial estimates of the Office of the Prime Minister, which include the energy portfolio.

PN Whip David Agius said the Opposition was walking out because it did not recognize him (Mizzi) as minister over his pending cases. This is not the first time that the Opposition has walked out of the chamber during Konrad Mizzi's speeches. 

A shouting match broke out but veteran PL MP Joe Debono Grech’s voice thundered over the din: “Did you copy this from someone else?”

Konrad Mizzi said the Opposition did not have the stomach to stay and listen to the truth. “The Opposition does this every time I speak to grab the headlines. But these tricks do not work any more so we will continue speaking about our achievements in the sector.”

Mr Mizzi, who was made to resign his energy portfolio after it was revealed that he – along with OPM Chief of Staff Keith Schembri - had opened up a secret company in Panama.

Taking the floor after a fiery speech by PN MP Ryan Callus, Dr MIzzi said his would not be a political speech. “I will be speaking about facts because this I what people want to hear.” He said 2017 would be a very important year when Malta will have energy from gas and will start working on the pipeline. There will be water-related projects and private public partnerships.

Dr Mizzi said Enemalta will retain the right to buy electricity from the cheapest source and the Opposition is lying about this. On the other hand Electrogas is bound to supply us with energy for 18 years.

On the pipeline Mr Mizzi said previous administrations had been offered a link from Libya “but the oil lobby, corruption, was much stronger then.” This administration was working on a solution and was working to find an exact route between Malta and Gela in Sicily. Once that was ready the planning applications would be submitted.

The Delimara project is safe, even in storms, he said, adding that the government had brought in the best company in the business to construct a special mooring system.  “We studied everything in detail, including the wind and waves. We also have an emergency plan in place. The only parts not published are the sensitive parts. You do not tell robbers how best to break into your home.”