Opposition Leader Simon Busuttil said this evening that while the PN had lost the vote of no confidence in the House, it had won the hearts and minds of the Maltese people.
Dr Busuttil was addressing journalists after an motion of no-confidence filed by the Opposition against the government was defeated earlier this evening. The motion was filed after it was reveleaed that Minister Konrad Mizzi and OPM chief of staff Keith Schembri had opened a company in Panama, with the Prime Minister not taking action on this in spite of the scandal erupting eight weeks ago.
“Joseph Muscat won inside the House but lost outside. The Nationalist Party gave the public a voice - a voice to people of all political inclinations who want to live in a normal country, who do not want these things to continue.”
Dr Busuttil said a number of government MPs showed during the debate that they were in denial. “The Prime Minister himself made the most aggressive speech in the 13-hour debate. He was detached from reality and got it wrong on many counts. I have no doubt that we won the hearts and minds of the Maltese people because we were there for them. We showed people that at least there is someone who is willing to stand up for them and work for a normal country.”
The PN Leader said the Opposition would bow its head to the result and the will of the people. “Everyone knew what the numbers are. We will continue working for tranquillity and stability. The best weapon in the PN’s arsenal is the truth, which will win, in the end.”
Dr Busuttil said the Opposition would continue working with determination to restore normality.
Fielding questions, Dr Busuttil said the Opposition would support independent MP Marlene Farrugia’s motion of no-confidence in Konrad Mizzi.
Asked about Dr Mizzi’s latest self-defence, arguing that he was going through a trial by media, Dr Busuttil said Dr Muscat’s speech was completely surreal. “Are we living on the same planet? The PM is completely disregarding what the people are feeling and saying. Are we to believe that the international media is lying? This information came out in the Panama papers – it was not invented by the media. They (the government) speak about causing harm to the country, but who is really harming the country? Those who are speaking about this scandal or those who keep defending Konrad Mizzi and Keith Schembri? For Joseph Muscat this is just business as usual.”
Dr Busuttil said it was obvious that Dr Muscat should have sacked Mizzi and Schembri weeks ago. Now the pressure has turned on him.
Asked about allegations that PN Deputy Leader Mario de Marco had accepted a 'gift' from a contractor, Dr Busuttil said Dr de Marco had made it very clear that he needs no favours. "His answer was clear and unequivocal. It is clear that Muscat resorts to mudslingling every time he ends up with his back to the wall. This is not working anymore."
Dr Busuttil said the PN had already come up with more than a hundred proposals on good governance. The PN had done its fair share of mistakes and the electorate had punished the PN for this. “But we have learnt from our mistakes.”
Video: Mike Camilleri, pictures: Jonathan Borg