Former Labour MP Lino Debono has described the “forced resignation” of Gozo Minister Justyne Caruana as “a major step in the wrong direction”.
In a letter to the media, Debono, who was elected from the Gozo district in 1981 and 1987, says that “disciplinary measures have to be taken” but they “should apply to those who have done wrong and not for those who are upright and honest.”
“I think Caruana’s forced resignation is a major step in the wrong direction,” he writes.
“She has managed in a short time to make Gozo vibrant with continuous projects and activities… at no other time, under any former minister, has Gozo and its citizens progressed so handsomely, except, possibly under Anton Tabone”, who served as the first Gozo Minister between 1987 and 1996.
To use Caruana as the “sacrificial lamb” is “mistaken and out of place”.
Caruana resigned last week after it was reported that her husband, former deputy police chief Silvio Valletta, had travelled abroad with the man who is now accused of complicity in the murder of Daphne Caruana Galizia.
Caruana has said that it was the most difficult decision in her political career.