Minister for Tourism Edward Zammit Lewis is the second PL candidate who expressed his interest in occupying the post of Deputy Prime Minister, a seat which will become vacant as Louis Grech announced his retirement. Earlier this week, Minister for Health Chris Fearne also announced his interest to occupy the Deputy Prime Minister's post. He made the announcement while being interviewed on INDEPTH.

Replying to a question by The Malta Independent news editor Rachel Attard, the Minister said that the most urgent priority at the moment is for Labour to win the general election. But said that he would be interested in serving side by side with Joseph Muscat as Deputy Prime Minister. "First he has to express his faith in me and get me back on as a Minister. If he does, I would be interested in occupying the post."

Joseph Muscat had announced, earlier during the campaign that Louis Grech will not run as candidate for the Labour Party. He is, however, making himself available for the Prime Minister to provide counsel during cabinet meetings.

Minister Edward Zammit Lewis was sent by the Labour Party instead of Prime Minister Joseph Muscat who chose not to attend the much anticipated press conference. The Minister had to face five journalists from various news agencies on issues which were hardly related to the tourism sector. Indeed, the questions were dominated by matters of scandals, Panama Papers and Egrant.

The first questions were related to Air Malta and corruption allegations which are tarnishing Malta's reputation. On the National Airline, the Minister for Tourism has pledged that Air Malta will always be under the control of the Maltese. He said the media has constantly criticized any attempt by the government to find an adequate private international partner. He said today, he is shouldering the responsibility of the PN restructuring disaster.

When asked about corruption and transparency and how these affect the local financial services sector, Dr Zammit Lewis said that the PN has worked to build a reputable sector but it was also thanks to the Labour Party Opposition who provided the necessary support. He said the PL presented a number of laws which are meant to keep corruption out of politics, like the party financing law.

Rachel Attard asked about the responsibility politicians have to shoulder when their persons of trust act irresponsibly. She quoted the magisterial inquiry in the Manual Mallia and Paul Sheean case, that "the minister is responsible for the actions of the people chosen by him, from the driver to his chief of staff, and the minister has resign, if they fail to act correctly."

Dr Zammit lewis replied by saying that she should have mentioned the inquiry on Beppe Fenech Adami, among others. He said Konrad Mizzi had to step down from Deputy Leader of the party and so paid the price. Zammit Lewis said that he does not expect everyone to agree with the decision.

Mario Frendo and Darren Carabott, from the PN media, lashed out at the Minister for having to attend the conference instead of the Prime Minister. They asked about the latest update on the whistle blower, that she was sent from Russia. The journalist asked whether, according to the Minister, the timeline of events makes any sense.

Dr Zammit Lewis said that the Prime Minister was only replying to questions. The Minister said that the Prime Minister had to stop from divulging any more details because the situation requires a very delicate approach.  

RTK editor Josianne Camilleri asked Zammit Lewis to explain the reason why the Prime Minister had to call a snap election. The Minister replied that the election was called to safeguard the upcoming four years. He said the inquiries will lead to political ramifications, irrespective of the election outcome.

Rachel Attard asked on the FIAU report which was handed to police but action was never taken. Zammit Lewis asked what politicians should do in these circumstances. "Should we fire the Attorney General?" he said while insisting that politicians should not attack the institutions when they don't agree with their decisions.

Visibly frustrated, Minister Zammit Lewis said that it is a real pity that the journalists were not asking on specific proposals. "This government is not just Panama," he said while replying to more questions by the PN media on corruption.

"We saw Simon Busuttil heading to the courts with files in his hand, but so far failed to publish any further proof," he said.

In his closing remarks, the Minister said that the public will be called to judge the government on the performance of the economy, jobs and tourism. A choice between the coalition of confusion, and an unstable government, he concluded.