Opposition Leader Simon Busuttil today said the Russian embassy had rejected the Prime Minister's attempt to blame the Egrant saga on Russian involvement.
Speaking in Lija, he kicked off his address with the news that the Russian embassy had released a statement categorically denying the recent allegations made by Intelligence Online, a French geopolitical website, that the Russian whistleblower into the Egrant allegations is actually a Russian spy.
The allegation is that she spread the ‘fake’ information about Egrant Inc, where it has been said that the PM’s wife is the ultimate beneficial owner of the Panama company in question, in order to destabilise the government of Dr Muscat.
The Prime Minister said information had been received from allied secret services, and that he has found no proof to this effect.
Dr Busuttil hit back at the Prime Minister for first blaming the Egrant allegations on blogger Daphne Caruana Galizia, and then saying the ‘lies’ came from the PN headquarters.
He also ridiculed the PL candidates on the fourth district which includes Fgura, Paola, Santa Lucija and Tarxien, for sending its constituents care packages, effectively trying to buy votes.
He displayed a plastic bag with an orange inside, which he said is being distributed by the team of Health Minister Chris Fearne. Dr Busuttil then held a picture of a bottle of red wine sent to the same constituents by the team of Minister Konrad Mizzi, fully kitted out with a picture of the minister plastered on the bottle of wine.
Turning to electoral pledges, Dr Busuttil said that from the first day in office, serious efforts will be made to clean up politics in Malta.
“I will replace the current Police Commissioner, so that investigations into wrongdoings can finally commence”.
The 10 proposals closest to Dr Busuttil’s heart are as follows:
1. To clean the political system once and for all; and re-establishing the country's international reputation. .
2. 30,000 high quality jobs in new economic sectors.
3. 10% tax cut for self employed and small businesses.
4. Protection of the environment becoming enshrined in the constitution, and becoming an essential part of the country's economic model.
5. The protection of Zonqor, valleys like Wied Ghomor, and the conversion of White Rocks into a national eco-park.
6. The metro system
7. The immediate 5c/ltr reduction of the price of fuel, and a pledge to remain beneath the EU average throughout the legislature.
8. Free childcare for everyone
9. Free medicines
10. A substantial increase in pensions.
He stressed that the PN will have a sense of urgency regarding preparations for the upcoming Valletta European capital for culture to be stepped up. Valletta will be taking the role from January 2018.
On the environment, Dr Busuttil said the PN does not believe a government must choose between caring for the economy or the environment, adding that with an improved environment Malta will have a better economy, when considering the improved aesthetic value and tourism.
Speaking about the proposal to offer more free medicines on the government registry, Dr Busuttil said it is a complete shame that pensioners have to buy some medicines from their modest monthly stipend. He also slammed the government for having less fortunate cancer patients beg to the Malta Community Chest Fund for cancer medications.
“I am proud to have a social soul. This is a compliment and not an insult. First we help the little man, the weaker, the vulnerable and in need. This is the politics we believe in.”
He encouraged PN supporters to go out and spread the manifesto, which includes dedicated proposals for Gozo and and the youth section.
Shadow Minister for Health Claudette Buttigieg remarked that the number of young volunteers which have come forward to assist the PN has filled the party with encouragement in the fight against corruption.
MEP and PN candidate Therese Commodini Cachia stressed the need to remove the ‘Castille trio’ from power, referring to Prime Minister Joseph Muscat, Minister Konrad Mizzi and the chief of staff Keith Schembri.
PN MP Censu Galea quipped that he did not bring the audience oranges or bottles of wine (referring to Ministers Konrad Mizzi and Chris Fearne who’s campaigners handed out care packages to constituents), but brought 30 years of Parliamentary experience to the table.
Former EU Commissioner and former PN minister Tonio Borg was present for the activity.
Radio host presenter and PN candidate David Thake promised that a PN government will deliver justice to all. Norman Vella, another PN candidate spoke of a need for a long-term vision for Malta, in view of the PL only being concerned with lining their own pockets.
PN Whip David Agius and deputy PN leader Beppe Fenech Adami said they are filled with hope that the people will vote against corruption and being high-jacked by a few individuals.
Dr Fenech Adami delved into specific proposals, such as building a new home for the elderly and increasing the supply of free medicines, which he says illustrates the PN’s commitment to improving the quality of life for all.
Photos and video Baskal Mallia