The European Parliament is set to discuss the situation in Malta after the island’s general elections, during a plenary session which will take place sometime in June, most likely on 13 or 14.
A well informed EU Parliament source speaking with this newsroom explained that the reason for this debate is not directly the financial services sector, but would rather be on political accountability and the rule of law.
The EU Parliament’s Conference of Presidents, which comprises of one representative from each Parliamentary Group, discussed the possibility of holding a debate about Malta following the latest allegations regarding people surrounding Malta’s Prime Minister, Joseph Muscat earlier today, and came to an agreement.
Originally, 1 June was touted as a possible date for the debate, however it seems the parties decided against this, and opted to wait until after the election.
Manfred Weber, the leader of the European People’s Party MEPs (the PN forms part of this party), wanted a debate titled: “Situation in Malta: the need for the rule of law.” Politico, had described this title in an article earlier this week, as an “allusion to similar discussions that have taken place in the European Parliament about controversial actions taken by the governments in Poland and Hungary."
The Greens made a separate proposal, for a discussion titled: “Panama Papers follow up: suspicion of money laundering in Malta involving several politically exposed persons.”
The actual title of the debate has not yet been finalised.
The decision for the debate comes after an invitation was sent last week by the Parliament’s Panama Papers inquiry committee to Prime Minister Joseph Muscat, for him to appear in Brussels. The Prime Minister has said that he would only attend after the magisterial inquiry into allegations that his wife owns the Panama company Egrant conclude. A Russian whistleblower in Malta also alleged that Michelle, Muscat’s wife, had received €1 million from the daughter of the Azerbaijan President.
Prime Minister Muscat’s Chief of Staff Keith Schembri has also been at the centre of controversy, as PN Leader Simon Busuttil alleged that Mr Schembri took kickbacks for certain nationals obtaining Maltese Citizenship through the IIP scheme. A separate Magisterial inquiry has been launched into these allegations.
Both Muscat and Schembri have denied the allegations.