There are enough facts for former Gozo Minister Giovanna Debono to no longer have a place place in politics, PL deputy leader Toni Abela said today.

The police are investigating claims that Mrs Debono’s husband had used public funds to carry out construction works for her constituents, free of charge. Mrs Debono and her husband are denying the allegations.

Dr Abela was replying to questions made by The Malta Independent on what the PL is expecting from Dr Busuttil in the case involving Mrs Debono when Dr Busuttil made it amply clear from the beginning that he is using the same yardstick he used with former environment minister George Pullicino.

Dr Abela said that Dr Busuttil also failed to take action on PN MP Toni Bezzina after allegations surfaced that he asked civil servants to sign a false declaration stating that works they had carried out on a PN band club were of a voluntary nature. 

The aim of today’s news conference was for the PL to outline its two-year achievements as a party in government, however a considerable amount of time was spent hitting out at PN leader Simon Busuttil’s “failures” while in Opposition. A feature was also aired highlighting the PN’s “failures”. 

Dr Toni Abela stated that the PN’s frame of mind has not changed. He said that the Opposition keeps on stating that it is making a difference in people’s lives from the opposition benches but this is two years too late because people would have liked to see changes when the PN ruled. PL executive secretary Lydia Abela said that the PN’s colossal defeat meant nothing for Dr Busuttil because he did not change and was negative more than ever.

Outlining a number of achievements, PL president Daniel Micallef said that the PL in government – in a matter of two years - reduced energy tariffs, shut down the Marsa power plant, Enemalta was saved from sinking, income tax was decreased along with a number of tax exemptions introduced, stipends increased, 16 year olds granted the right to vote during local council elections, LGBTi rights greatly improved, hospital waiting lists shortened and the issue of out of stock medicines solved. He also said that free IVF treatment was being given to couples while new jobs in Gozo were being created. Youths, he continued, are finding jobs as a result of the Youth Guarantee Programme and members of the Police Corps were given the right to joining a union of their choice.

Asked by a PN media journalist why the feature did not include the Manuel Mallia resignation, the PL’s failure to implement its major electoral pledge in time – the new power station - and the Cafe Premier scandal, Dr Toni Abela said: “Mario Camilleri – the owner of Cafe Premier – gave a donation to the PN and not the PL so if anything it is the PL who did not need to return any favours”.