Bernard Grech said, in a Facebook video, that he does not have a single cent pending with the tax authorities.

It had been reported that Grech had a history of tax irregularities. The Times of Malta also reported that Grech settled almost €30,000 in tax dues. Media reports read that his average annual income between the years of 2014-2019 was between €32,000 and €33,000, thus making it unclear how grech managed to settle his dues as no mention of this was made in the video.

In the video, Grech said that he was preoccupied with the situation, admitting that he could have been more careful to ensure that this situation did not happen.

He said that weeks ago he had checked and verified everything that was pending. Grech said that as a politician he needs to be better than this, and said that politicians have to hold themselves to a higher standard in terms of how they should act in public life, saying that he is ready to do that.

He said that to ensure everything is ok, he removed a contestation he had on an amount on penalties and interest, “which I had every right like every citizen to ask to reduce.”

“I renounced this right so that prior to submitting my nomination for the post of PN Leader I would have no problem in this sense.”

“The certificate shows that I don’t have a single cent pending with the tax department. We understand why all this came out, as the PL is worrying about the positive surveys that fill us with courage. I am determined for this question not to stop me, but to strengthen me.”

Grech here was referring to a survey which showed that Bernard Grech as PN leader would halve Prime Minister Robert Abela's trust lead.

“The PL is not pleased seeing me entering politics or seeing you filled with courage and hope, that the PN can again strengthen and become a strong opposition,” he said.