Around 300 people attended this morning's anti-corruption protest, which was organised by the Civil Society Network. The numbers were much lower at the start of the protest, however the crowd swelled marginally throughout the protest.
The protestors called the resignations of Konrad Mizzi and Keith Schembri over the Panama revelations and for transparency and accountability in government. The Civil Society Network said the event is not political and everyone was invited to attend.
Several political figures were in attendance, including Opposition Leader Simon Busuttil and independent MP Marlene Farrugia.
There were no official speeches as the organisers did not want the event to belong to anyone in particular. Dr Michael Briguglio this morning referred to it as a protest by civil society to civil society.
One woman who spoke briefly at the event said Mizzi's and Schembri's positions were untenable and they had to go.
There was some commotion when people in the crowd took offence to a banner being carried by another protestor. The police had to be called in to calm the situation down.
In a statement this morning, the civil society network (Malta) welcomed the participation of individuals and organisations from all sides of the political and social spectrum in today's civil protest in front of Parliament, Valletta.
“Those attending have stood up to be counted in the call for the resignation of Minister Konrad Mizzi and Prime Minister's Chief of Staff Keith Schembri due to their involvement in Panama Papers. Persons in similar situation in other democracies resigned immediately. Malta should be no exception.
We are simply demanding what is normal and obvious in a democratic society: politicians and politically exposed persons should not be associated with tax havens and dubious financial dealings, as this can result in conflict of interest. This can also have long-term political and social repercussions such as distrust in politics and normalization of corrupt practices.”
Signed: Michael Briguglio, Monique Agius, James Debono, Karl Camilleri, Angele Deguara, Mark Anthony Sammut, Michael Grech, Alfred Mangion, Reuben Zammit, Daniel Desira, Marie Lucia Briguglio, Martin Abela, Paul Portelli, Joseph Pace Asciak. Jurgen Balzan, Robert Louis Fenech, Andre' Callus, Salvu Mallia, Antoine Cassar
Moviment Graffiti statement
Moviment Graffitti took part in today’s protest as it believes that Konrad Mizzi and Keith Schembri should take responsibility for their unethical actions and decisions.
Moviment Graffitti stated: “Although we have a different government, the political situation has not improved when it comes to corruption and lack of transparency. Both Konrad Mizzi and Keith Schembri have acted unethically by opening trusts in tax havens [the trusts were opened in New Zealand, while the companies held within the trusts were registered in the financially secretive jurisdiction of Panama], yet they are still enjoying positions of great power. This is simply unacceptable.
“Common citizens have to pay all their taxes with harsh fines if everything is not in order, but the rich elite, which Konrad Mizzi and Keith Schembri form part of, get away with evading or avoiding taxes with barely a slap on the wrist.
“Apologizing to the public but not resigning means nothing. Apart from calling for Mizzi and Schembri’s resignations, Moviment Graffitti also calls on politicians to pass stricter laws against those who get involved in tax evasion schemes and laws that prevent tax avoidance.”
Photos and video: Michael Camilleri