Scicluna pledges to be moderate 'bridge'

Leading economist Edward Scicluna yesterday brushed aside notions that his candidature as a Labour MEP may harm his standing, pledging to be a moderate bridge in the partisan climate of local politics.

"I will continue to speak the way that I do and let people decide whether that is independent thinking," he said yesterday, adding that one could be within a party and still talk independently.

The statement follows recent criticism by Finance Minister Tonio Fenech of Prof. Scicluna's economic forecasts, saying he was "Labour-leaning".

Speaking to The Times shortly after Labour's conference, which he attended along with Labour's other candidate fished out of the political pond, Marlene Mizzi, Prof. Scicluna said the country needed a strong opposition with the injection of new people, especially political moderates.

"There are some hard times ahead, from an economic, political and social perspective, and I believe we need people who can bridge the political divide," he said.

Ms Mizzi also confirmed that she had submitted her nomination to be among the MEP election candidates but she would not be drawn to comment further for the time being.

Both were personally approached by Labour leader Joseph Muscat. Asked about Dr Muscat, Prof. Scicluna said: "I believe he can deliver what he promised, otherwise I would not have accepted."

Asked how he sees his role within the European Parliament, Prof. Scicluna said the Parliament needs people from different countries who can actively contribute rather than just listen and report back.

"Such a post allows you to give your contribution to the country in a full-time professional manner, the way I would like to do," he said.

Prof. Scicluna has enjoyed the confidence of successive Labour and Nationalist administrations through his appointments in key positions. He has served as president of the Malta Council for Economic and Social Development as well as executive chairman of the Malta Financial Services Authority.