Gonzi gives evidence in billboards 'corruption' case

Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi gave evidence this morning as a court started hearing evidence in 13 libel cases filed by Dr Gonzi and members of the Cabinet against the Labour Party.

The cases were instituted before the general election after the MLP put up a billboard carrying pictures of the ministers and alleging corruption.

Dr Gonzi said his picture was featured in the middle of the billboard and he was being accused of corruption. As a politician he felt insulted by such an accusation.

Asked whether he was responsible for the actions of his ministers, Dr Gonzi said he was.

He said he had publicly declared that every time he became aware of an allegation of corruption, he had it investigated by the competent authorities.

Dr Gonzi said that although he had never dismissed any ministers, he had shuffled the ministers, giving them new responsibilities, but this had nothing to do with the subject of the billboard.