Finance Minister stressed that any allegation made in the ‘Daphne Project’ is already being investigated by the courts, insisting that the country believed in rule of law, while also criticising the “one-sided” journalism from global media organisations, such as the Washington Post, and the EU Commission for being pressured by a small group of MEPs who want to damage the county’s reputation.
“When I spoke with media houses and rating agencies [about the allegations], they said that as long as the country is taking action, these are normal things. This also applies to banks, in any jurisdiction of success in the financial sector, these things happen, it is important that it appears that action is being taken,” he said, as he faced questions from the press following a press conference.
“We believe in the rule of law, and the way these allegations are being investigated. Certainly, I will not defend anyone nor will I condone anyone as long as the courts are handling the matter. There were scandals in the past and the court procedures are still taking place. Everyone respects the process, and I am sure the magistrate is aware of this information. Regarding political responsibility, don’t ask me, ask the ministers concerned,” Scicluna continued.
The Malta Independent specifically asked whether he believed either Mizzi or Schembri should step down pending the outcome of the magisterial inquiries, given that the pair have been central to the most serious allegations levelled against this government for more than two years, a long-list which could potentially grow within the coming weeks with further revelations expected from the Daphne Project.
“No. Shall I resign?” he answered.
The Minister was also asked whether he was concerned about the negative exposure the country was getting in some the major media houses across the globe.
“There are three types of reporters in this consortium. The first are those who are fair, balanced and provide both sides of the story. There are those that are one-sided like the article within The Washington Post who ran a story following only the quotes one of Daphne Caruana Galizia’s sons. Then the third are intent on doing damage to Malta with lies, such as the Pilatus Bank story that appeared in Le Monde,” he said.
With regards to Pilatus, the Minister said all he was aware of were some compliance issues that were flagged with the bank a couple of years ago, however with the help of two auditing firms, including KPMG, he said that the matter had been settled.
When pressed on his statement that “these things were normal”, the Minister said that he did not say that and reiterated that there are investigations taking place.
Addressing the concerns that Pilatus Bank held the accounts of PEPs, Scicluna asked whether BOV and HSBC should be ostracised for having accounts of PEPs.
“These are allegations, and I hope that they are investigated,” he said
Faced with follow-up questions concerning the FIAU reports, he said “these are allegations, and they are being investigated,” he said
He was asked about the news that the EU Commissioner, he said the country welcomed oversight, but would later say that the Commission was being pressured by a small group of MEPs, including the three PN MEPs, to take investigate.
“The EU can investigate, but that we have people who want to damage our reputation around the world, who say it is a mafia-state. Are the 2.3 million tourists who come to Malta every year scared of the country? do they not feel safe? It is a disgrace and whenever you abroad you are not Nationalist, you are not a Labourite, you are Maltese,” he said as he stopped taking questions and left the press conference.