PN Leader Simon Busuttil this morning said he would ‘absolutely remove’ Permanent Secretary and Head of Civil Service Mario Cutajar should the PN win the election.
Dr Busuttil, who was responding to questions from The Malta Independent during a press conference in Floriana, said that Mr Cutajar’s appointment was the “worst example of partisan political appointments” from the Labour Government.
Mario Cutajar
“The fact that he was once Glenn Bedingfield’s assistant is enough evidence of this.”
The PN Leader was also asked if he would be able to control a party of extremes should he be elected.
Far-right Josie Muscat has recently joined the PN ticket, which already has leftists and outspoken members PD Leader Marlene Farrugia and Salvu Mallia.
“This is a Forza Nazzjonali where everyone is standing up to be counted. Yesterday, three consultants joined. We have people with different ideas who want to work together and discuss. We have a common programme and all want to combat corruption. We want clean politics. Josie Muscat and myself will be able to talk even if we have difficulties. He made it clear, four square, that he will accept the party’s position.”
“It is up to the electorate if they want him or not.”
The PN Leader was also pressed on his ever changing position on the sale of citizenship scheme.
Dr Busuttil had formerly said that he was against the initiative in principle. However, he recently announced he would keep the scheme should be elected.
The PN Leader has said that this election was mainly about principles not proposals.
Dr Busuttil said that the PN had fought hard to make the scheme more credible, by including clauses were the applicants would need to purchase or rent a property in Malta and reside here for one year.
Dr Busuttil also said that he did not trust the electoral commission since it is composed of mainly Dr Muscat appointments, but maintained that the PN would remain vigilant.
He was also asked if he would resign if he lost the election, but he said that he had the utmost faith that the country will make the correct choice for Malta.
Photos & video: Michael Camilleri