Adds PL statement
PN Leader Simon Busuttil said this morning that he will call on the “relevant PN organ” to look into the suspension of former ministers Michael Falzon and Ninu Zammit, who were suspended from the PN after The Malta Independent revealed that they had undeclared bank accounts.
Speaking in Paola this morning, Dr Busuttil said it is up to the former ministers to clear their name. “If they clear their name, I will have no problem with lifting their suspension.”
Dr Busuttil said the suspension will remain in place until their names are cleared. “I am setting standards for the party. It is unacceptable for anyone in the PN to be on the list and I have declared that anyone on it can declare himself suspended. If they manage to clear their name I have no difficulty in lifting the suspension.”
Asked by The Malta Independent if he will be summoning them to see how the money deposited into these accounts was obtained, Dr Busuttil said it is up to the former ministers or anyone else involved to make sure their affairs are in order.
The Opposition Leader said Mr Falzon spoke to him before the story was broken by this newsroom but Ninu Zammit did not. “My position remains clear: any politician or public person on that list will be suspended from the Nationalist Party until they clear their name.”
Dr Busuttil he is not going to judge anyone but it is up to the former ministers to defend themselves. “My job is to defend the name and reputation of the Nationalist Party,” he said.
Dr Busuttil denied that he suspended Mr Falzon and Mr Zammit because he has more information about the case. “I made it clear right from the start that anyone on the list would be suspended. However, I have so far not heard the Prime Minister express his opinion on the matter. What will he do if persons involved in the Labour Party or whom he appointed on public bodies are found to be on the list? He should speak up and declare that such a scenario would be inacceptable to him as well.”
Asked about Austin Gatt, who admitted in 2013 to having a Swiss bank account, Dr Busuttil said he was not the PN leader back then. “That story came to light more than two years ago. My responsibility is to address issues that arise now, under my responsibility. You know where you stand with me and you know what my standards are.” Pressed about the matter, the PN Leader said he was not the one taking decisions at the time. “Lawrence Gonzi does not need me to defend him.”
Asked about alleged threats by Parliamentary Secretary Justyne Caruana against day centre managers, Dr Busuttil said his reaction was one of shock. “One cannot expect such language coming from a member of Joseph Muscat’s cabinet, especially when we are talking about workers who fall under her direct responsibility. This is an insult towards the workers and I expect the Prime Minister to not only react but also to act.”
Dr Busuttil presented eight new candidates for the Paola Local Council elections. The PL-led local council has not brought any change, he said. A project to renovate the town square has been repeatedly promised but has never materialized. Despite being in a minority in Paola, the PN wants to make a difference to residents. “We believe that we can make a difference even if we are in minority and this is what we will do.”
Two weights two measures - PL
In reaction, the Labour Party accused Dr Busuttil of taking a “two weights two measures” approach towards Austin Gatt. “Simon Busuttil was quick to suspend Michael Falzon and Ninu Zammut but is afraid to act on Austin Gatt. Worse still, he is defending him.”
The PL said Simon Busuttil was caught in a trap when he defended the former Infrastructure Minister and suspended Zammit and Falzon because their cases are identical. “What is the difference between them and Austin Gatt?”
Video: Chanelle Demicoli