The Nationalist Party on Friday reiterated that the governor of the Central Bank of Malta Edward Scicluna, who faces criminal charges over the Vitals inquiry, must be removed immediately from his role, as well as his role in the governing council of the European Central Bank (ECB).

In a Facebook post, PN spokesperson for Finance Graham Bencini made reference to the criminal charges Scicluna faces, which are “undoubtedly very serious.”

“Apart from being the Governor of the Central Bank, Scicluna also holds the position of Deputy Chairperson of the Board of Governors of the Maltese Financial Services Authority (MFSA), is a member of the Governing Council of the ECB, and governor for Malta at the International Monetary Fund, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, and the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, as well as Substitute Governor for Malta at the World Bank,” Bencini said.

He said that after the period in which our country was the only European Union country on the grey list of the Financial Action Task Force a few years ago, together with many international scandals related to the Maltese Government, negatively impacting the country's reputation, it is “inconceivable” that Scicluna did not assume responsible action and resign from the various sensitive positions he holds.

Bencini said that it seems clear that Scicluna’s only interest is to continue receiving the salary, which he himself increased before becoming Governor of the Central Bank.

“This reputation damages our country has faced for the last 10 years, is leaving a negative impact on our banks, our professional industries, and the entire country. We cannot continue to damage our country's reputation,” Bencini said.

The PN called for Scicluna’s removal his role as Governor of the Central Bank together with all his other roles, as mentioned above.

Bencini said that a person with all the necessary professional credentials should be appointed to such a position which has an impeccable reputation, respected by the whole country, and not necessarily affiliated with any political party.

The statement was also signed by the PN spokesperson for Economy Jerome Caruana Cilia.