Prime Minister Joseph Muscat today expressed his confidence that Malta will have a new transport provider come January, despite a court temporarily preventing the transport authority from entering an agreement with the Spanish company Autobus de Leon.

Speaking at a press conference, Dr Muscat said the government is convinced about the validity of its arguments when asked about the court ruling.

“First we will wait for the warrant of prohibitory injunction (to be decided), and then we will go ahead according to what the court says.”

Dr Muscat was evasive when asked when the agreement with Autobus de Leon was supposed to be signed. in a very short statement issued this evening, Transport Minister Joe Mizzi also chipped in. He said that this ministry, Malta Public Transport Services and Transport Malta were all committed to take the necessary action, including legal, to continue to work for a good and efficient public transport system befitting for the Maltese people.  

“The mandate is so the contract does not move forward, we respect what the court is saying.

“The court upheld the mandate until it hears the version of the government in order not to prejudice the other consortium, we will present our arguments and then the court will decide,” Dr Muscat said.

He said the government will not be taking a “big bang approach.” Rather, a gradual phasing in will take place in order not to repeat past mistakes. 

Majority of social partners have welcomed the budget

The majority of social partners have welcomed yesterday’s budget Prime Minister Joseph Muscat said today during a press conference.

“The government has had the courage to clamp down on fraud, and this heralds a broader culture change.

“We can’t have an 18-year-old going out to register for work and staying on benefits until they are 60,” Dr Muscat said.

He brushed off criticism over the finance minister’s lengthy speech, saying the length was down to the government having a concrete plan and not just political bluff.

On the alleged conflict of interest Labour MP Luciano Busuttil had during a recent tender, Dr Muscat said he will let the Commission for the Administration of Justice do its work.

He cryptically said that many lawyers have been referred to the Commission in the past, but their cases have not generated as much media interest.

On fuel prices, Dr Muscat said that fuel prices in Malta are lower than the European average. He said when entering hedging agreements, it is possible to prices will be locked in lower or higher than the market price.  

PM stands by Minister Helena Dalli

Asked about the illegal works carried out on a home owned by Social Dialogue Minister Helena Dalli, Dr Muscat said he is taking Dr Dalli’s word that the works were not carried out by her.

Works on the Zurrieq farmhouse are reportedly being carried out by a company owned by Dr Dalli, PADA Builders.

The PM said that to his knowledge the works were not carried out by a company owned by Dr Dalli.

“Dr Dalli has said that the property is not owned by her and the works are being carried out by the person who is buying the property,” Dr Muscat said.