Education and Employment Minister Evarist Bartolo suggested the launching of a public registry, where all persons – not just Politically Exposed Persons – who deposit money into tax havens, be placed on a public list. Mr Bartolo's comments come during the Labour Party's second plenary session of the Annual General Meeting.

He said that this could be posted online, and urged other countries to do the same.

“We are a party which believes in fiscal morality,” he said.

He spoke about how the Panama Papers scandal, which confirmed secretive offshore structures which belong to Energy and Health Minister Konrad Mizzi and the Prime Minsiter’s Chief of Staff Keith Schembri.

He said that the country needs to remove itself from the current situation, not just politically, but made note of the way the financial services sector all over the world will change forever after this scandal.

Mr Bartolo, who had posted cryptic messages in the wake of the scandal currently surrounding Energy and Health Minister Konrad Mizzi, said that when the vote of no confidence is presented in Parliament "we will be together to vote against it."

He said that the goevrnment needed the faith of the people, and not of the Opposition. He said that the Nationalist Party feels as though they have the divine right to govern, and that if it weren't for this government, many people would remain forgotten.

He made reference to the secret debt scheme announced by the PN, and said that the way it is set up allows for the possibility of money laundering. 

Deputy Leader for Parliamentary Affairs Louis Grech spoke of the difficult decision Prime Minister Joseph Muscat needs to take regarding Energy and Health Minister Konrad Mizzi.

“I have no doubt that the Prime Minister will take the decisions need to be taken, as he has always done.”

He spoke of being conscious of the changing public mood, and said that this is the government which self-criticises and is the most scrupulous.

He compared the Nationalist Party prior to the last general election to the now extinct dodo bird. He said that like the bird, the PN was unaware of the changing realities which led to its extinction. He said that the most valuable element of the Labour Party is that it is constantly aware of its surroundings.

He questioned Dr Busuttil’s credibility and said expressed his confidence that in the next general election, the public will judge the government on all its work and support the Labour party.

He spoke of how the delegates are filled with energy and motivation, unlike what Dr Busuttil had predicted.

Dr Grech spoke of the need to stick to the party’s social democratic roots, and how the party has brought justice to vulnerable people.

“For this reason, the people need a labour government.”

He said that the government had already delivered 76 per cent of its manifesto, and that work for the next manifesto is underway. 

Government Whip Godfrey Farrugia said that the government is listening to calls for a “shake-up” within the heart of this government, and noted how public perception is changing.

He cautioned against shying away from constructive criticism, “more so when the criticism is internal.”

He said that many people believe that the arrogance which plagued the PN is now hitting certain people within the Labour government.

“We must remember the values and principles which distinguish our society. We have a part to play in the way Malta is changing. What is sure however, is that we are all indispensable – except for Prime Minister Joseph Muscat,” Dr Farrugia said to loud applause.

He praised the Prime Minister for taking decisions after investigating, listening and consulting.

“We are behind you Prime Minsiter. As a doctor, I have made a diagnosis: this is a government which Malta needs.”

He spoke of the motion of no confidence, and said that “we are united behind” the Dr Muscat.

Home Affairs Minister Carmelo Abela insisted that Dr Busuttil has nothing to offer, and invited the delegates to look at the motion of no confidence presented by the PN, and remember that the alternative is no viable option.

“Simon Busuttil offers bah [nothing]...we have failed to do one thing, we have failed to change the PN, they are the same party from the past,” he said.

“Dr Busuttil asked me to resign, if it were for him I would not be here. Why did he ask me to do this? Because somebody got sick, who happened to be a prisoner, and died of natural causes. Should I resign for this?”

He said that he understands “certain criticism” but made note of how the government has been delivering promises made in the manifesto from day one. He urged the party to roll up its sleeves and continue to bring positive change to the country.

Dr Abela made reference to the secret debt scheme announced by the PN, and asked for the competent authorities to investigate. He said that the scheme bypasses party financing rules.

***

Delegate Keran Muscat has started off tonight’s speeches, making reference to the tense scene which unfolded outside the court house days ago, before Shadow Minister for Justice Jason Azzopardi’s criminal defamation case.

It was said that Matthew Chetcuti, a member of the youth Labour Party was insulted for being a person with disabilities by Nationalist Party supporters.

Mr Chetcuti made it a point to speak of Enemalta’s success and thanked the currently embattled Energy and Health Minister Konrad Mizzi.

During yesterday’s plenary session, Dr Mizzi spoke about the current scandal he is embroiled in, and said that he will leave his faith up to Prime Minister Joseph Muscat.

Dr Mizzi was found, together with the Prime Minsiter’s Chief of Staff Keith Schembri, to hold secretive offshore financial structures. They were also found to have attempted to acquire offshore bank accounts in Panama and Dubai but failed because of their status as Politically Exposed Persons (PEP).

A number of delegates praised the work of the Labour government. One particular delegate made reference to the motion of no confidence against Dr Muscat’s government, put forward by Opposition Leader Simon Busuttil. The delegate said that the choice is a no-brainer, and proceeded to list the positive work of the current government, such as the out-of-stock medicines and the reduced tariffs. He cautioned not to be provoked by the Opposition, albeit many accusing the Labour party media of provocation.

Communications coordinator of the Lands Department, Rosianne Cutajar, cautioned against negative politics and also spoke of provocation. She said that while it is natural to respond heatedly to provocation, Labour supporters must not give in to “negative politics”

Over the past week, Labour media have said that on two occasions they were subject to abusive behaviour. The PN have categorically denied instigating a tense situation, and have condemned the Labour media for creating provocation. 

Former Nationalist Mayor Ian Castaldi Paris told delegates not to be intimidated, and said that he was proud to have joined the PL fray. He told them to “wake up” and not let the Opposition’s negative campaign take its hold. “Let’s continue to work hard, and have a positive effect on this country.” 

PL MP Silvio Schembri took exception to The Malta Independent front page headline published today, ‘Konrad Mizzi passes the buck to Joe,’ and said that “Joe” had made all the difference in Malta, improving the lives of the Maltese and Gozitan population. 

Photographs by Jonathan Borg