The Nationalist Party has described Prime Minister Robert Abela as 'weak', saying he was 'humiliated by his own ministers' following Cabinet's statement regarding Edward Scicluna.
Edward Scicluna has written to President of the European Central Bank Christine Lagarde requesting to cease exercising his function as Governor of the Central Bank of Malta while his case is still pending before the Maltese courts.
In a statement, the PN said: "The Cabinet showed a lack of confidence in Robert Abela when it did not approve his proposal to dismiss Edward Scicluna," following the court's decree that there was enough prima facie evidence for Scicluna for the case to go ahead.
"Robert Abela, being weak, was once again humiliated by his own Ministers and was unable to remove the Governor of the Central Bank who is facing charges related to the largest fraud our country has ever seen. Because Robert Abela is weak, we are all suffering as our country's reputation is suffering."
The PN said that today more than ever, "the request made by the Leader of the Nationalist Party, Bernard Grech, to reconvene Parliament to discuss Edward Scicluna's position as Governor of the Central Bank is more urgent. In the decision taken, there are many questions about Edward Scicluna's role, and who will fill the void of the Central Bank Governor, as well as Alexander Demarco's role and whether he will be Acting Governor."
"Robert Abela has his back against the wall and is without authority. That is why he did not want Parliament to meet because he knew that the Labour Parliamentary Group is divided and Robert Abela was already showing that he would have to concede. Robert Abela is being ignored and challenged by Labour exponents who have more power than him. Robert Abela is not leading, but is being led by other factions within the Labour Party, including that of Joseph Muscat," the PN said.
"Robert Abela has lost control and support, and this is now evident because Robert Abela feared convening Parliament following the request made by the Leader of the Nationalist Party, Bernard Grech, to do so against the backdrop of a united Nationalist Parliamentary Group calling for Edward Scicluna to be removed from his role as Governor of the Central Bank. Since Robert Abela and the Cabinet were not able to do what is right, it should be Parliament that does so. Our country deserves strong and clean leadership. Leadership that is not compromised and does not defend those who have defrauded the people," the PN said.