Prime Minister Robert Abela today denounced former Labour Minister Joe Debono Grech, saying that the PL had renewed itself to eliminate “that kind of speech”.

Abela was giving a reaction after the veteran Birkirkara politician last week admitted that the party is corrupt but that people had “gained something from it”.

Debono Grech, when speaking during a political activity organised by Gozo Minister Clint Camilleri, said that the PL was with the “good thief”. The Bible says that two thieves were crucified on either side of Jesus Christ. One was good, one was bad. “We’re with the good thief,” he said to loud applause from the crowd.

Asked about Debono Grech’s address, the Prime Minister said he (Abela) was “no thief”.

“This is why the PL has renewed itself,” he said. It happened “to eliminate such kind of speech”.