ADPD – The Green Party Chairperson Carmel Cacopardo insisted that the Police must once and for all stop treating Cabinet members and their entourage as untouchable demi-gods.

In a press conference in Valletta, Cacopardo insisted that the licences scandal is a serious case of clientelism and corruption that appears to be spread widely among members of Cabinet and senior officials within ministries, and in the yet-unnamed political party. It seems that the Police’s restraint in not mentioning politicians’ names at this stage is meant to avoid a political earthquake of epic proportions.

According to unofficial sources there are various current members of the cabinet of ministers, and former ministers involved in this case. Two diaries have revealed detailed information on those who may have benefited undeservedly from assistance to pass these driving tests.

“It is no coincidence that almost each ministry has a “customer care unit”. Voters are treated as clients who need to be ‘served’ by the politician in return for their vote. It is a formal system of nepotism and corruption,” Cacopardo said.

“To top it all one of those being accused of aiding and abetting corruption is being legally assisted by the shadow minister for Home Affairs for the Nationalist Party. It is undoubtedly highly unethical that someone who sees themselves as some crusader against corruption ends up defending someone who is accused of facilitating nepotism and corruption. The shadow minister has a problem with credibility and ethical behaviour. He is part of the problem with politics in this country,” the ADPD leader added.

Cacopardo insisted that the police must once and for all stop treating cabinet members and their entourage as some special breed of citizens. It is about time that those who present themselves as an example of political rectitude while, behind the scenes operate a whole system dishing out favours are not only named and shamed, but action is taken against them without delay.

He said that only full-time members of parliament will be able to make this highest institution of our country credible and effective – a measure that ADPD has been insisting upon for many years. Members of parliament should be unshackled from any other activities which may impact on their political commitment.