In line with tradition, Malta’s participation in the Eurovision Song Contest has led to controversy a few days after the country, despite the expectations of many, failed clinch the microphone-shaped glass trophy.

But this time the issue is not about the choice of song, dress or backing dancers. It is not a matter of whether we should have gone to Rotterdam with a rock ballad or a rap song. 

No, this time it is about the revelation that Malta spent well over half a million euro in a futile attempt to win an unwinnable contest. And it is also about claims that a good chunk of that money was given to foreign nationals to place bets on Destiny’s Je Me Casse, in hopes of raising her profile and giving her a better chance to win.

It is also said that a lot of money was given to social media influencers to promote Malta’s entry.

The revelation that Malta spent €650,000 on the Eurovision is nothing but shocking.

This is practically the first time that an actual figure on the money spent to promote Malta’s Eurovision song has emerged, and the amount is surreal. At a time like this, it would have made more sense to promote Malta as a summer destination rather than on a music festival that Malta can never really win for purely political reasons.

The authorities have always refused to say how much was spent on the Eurovision – not only on promoting it but also on travel expenses, clothing, make up, salaries … everything. And this is simply not on. After all, the Public Broadcasting Services operate mainly on taxpayer money – our money.

OPM Minister Carmelo Abela has now ordered an investigation into the claims. This is all well and good, but if any wrongdoing is found, the money should be refunded by PBS, or at least by those responsible.

At the same time, we cannot fail to mention how ironic it is that the investigation was ordered by a Cabinet minister who is himself accused of misusing taxpayer funds, and who refuses to pay the money back.

We are speaking, of course, about the infamous full-page newspaper colour advert that Carmelo Abela had had published a few months back. Standards Commissioner George Hyzler has found that the advert was only intended to boost the minister’s image and that it provided no “information of value to the public.”

Now, of course, the Eurovision and a newspaper advert are very different things, but the concept is the same. Any misuse of public funds should be reversed, and every single cent should be paid back.

Perhaps the timing of it all is rather unfortunate for Abela, but the fact remains that he is now in a very awkward position, having ordered a probe into alleged misuse of funds at the Eurovision when he himself is also accused of the same malpractice.