Prime Minister Robert Abela said the Labour Party will proceed in line with the court ruling ordering it to vacate its Santa Venera club, stressing that the party respects decisions taken by the courts.

Speaking to journalists on Thursday, Abela was asked by The Malta Independent whether he would commit that any costs linked to the case would be borne by the party alone and not by the government.

The Appeals Court on Wednesday confirmed a ruling delivered more than three years ago which found that the Labour Party had breached the rights of the owners of a property on a main road in Santa Venera when it occupied it for more than 40 years.

It also ordered the Labour Party to vacate the property within 40 days.

In his reply, the Prime Minister said the party would follow the Court’s decision.

“There is a sentence, and the party will proceed in line with that sentence,” Abela said.

“Our respect towards our courts also means that decisions made by our Courts are executed according to the sentence delivered by the three judges of the Court of Appeal,” he added.

Asked separately about the University of Malta’s reported €11 million debt, Abela said the government will continue supporting the institution financially but spoke of the importance of sound management of funds.

The Prime Minister was asked whether the government, which has found funds for other initiatives such as the purchase of band clubs, could also step in to assist the University financially.

Abela said he is looking forward to the appointment of the new Rector and the reforms expected to be introduced under his leadership.

“I have full faith in his abilities and as a government we will continue giving financial assistance to the University of Malta,” he said.

Abela said the government strongly believes in the University’s role in the educational formation of students, adding that the government had significantly increased the University’s budget over recent years.

However, he added that the issue also relates to the administration of those funds.

Abela also spoke about the conclusion of a collective agreement with University of Malta Academic Staff Association (UMASA), representing university lecturers, which will see lecturers receive a substantial improvement in their financial package.

Abela said he expected that issues related to the €11 million debt to also be addressed.

He added that he had been informed that the University had recorded a surplus in recent months, and expressed confidence that the incoming Rector would implement the necessary reforms.

Abela also thanked outgoing Rector Professor Alfred Vella for his work during his tenure.

“We look forward to the next reforms so that we continue strengthening the country’s educational institutions,” he said.