Labour still upset over EU envoy’s salary

The Labour Party yesterday said the salary of Malta’s outgoing EU Ambassador, Richard Cachia Caruana, proved he was not paid as a normal civil servant, contrary to the impression the government tried to give.

Labour MP Leo Brincat said the Prime Minister’s an­nounce­ment that Mr Cachia Caruana gets €143,000 a year also showed the government had spent years giving “incomplete” information to Parliament.

Mr Brincat quoted “media reports” to argue that Mr Cachia Caruana received an additional €170,000 but did not elaborate.

He said Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi showed that Mr Cachia Caruana was not treated like other diplomats.

Dr Gonzi also admitted for the first time that Mr Cachia Caruana was being paid for more than one position, contrary to the original impression that was given.

“If the government had nothing to hide, it would have replied immediately without beating about the bush or dragging its feet,” Mr Brincat said, pointing out that his questions had been evaded until Tuesday night.

The government tried to bypass Parliament, he said, and continued to avoid key points he raised in his parliamentary questions.

Among these points was whether Mr Cachia Caruana benefited from the ministerial increase granted in 2008 and whether he refunded this difference when Cabinet members were asked to do so.