Prime Minister Joseph Muscat this morning said that the government's effort to fight corruption and money-laundering in Malta is being recognized by the European Commission.

Speaking in a live phone interview on ONE Radio, Muscat was speaking about the recommendations for each country from the 2018 European Semester; the reports of which were issued for each member of the European Union last week.  

He said that the Commission recognized Malta's efforts in working towards tackling corruption and money-laundering.

"We are doing a lot, which is conforming (with EC regulations)" said Muscat, explaining that Malta had a low number of recommendations when compared to other countries. 

"While we note the recommendations be the Commission, we remain committed to keeping free healthcare and increasing pensions on a yearly basis, while not increasing the age of retirement," said Muscat.

 

Muscat wonders why PN free-vote on IVF was 'withdrawn'

Muscat this morning also questioned why the Nationalist Party free-vote in Parliament was 'withdrawn'.

Muscat noted that the free-vote 'promised' by Nationalist Party leader Adrian Delia 'did not happen and the opposition voted against.'

"I question what resulted in this free-vote to be withdrawn?" said Muscat, reiterating that the side of the government was 'a united group' in its decision.

Muscat also applauded the launch of the €10,000 grant for parents who adopt children from abroad, calling the initiative one of the "nicest proposals in the electoral manifesto".