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Finance Minister Tonio Fenech should resign and withdraw his election candidature for breaching the ministerial Code of Ethics, according to Labour leader Joseph Muscat.

“Resigning with only 14 days to the election is not shouldering responsibility, he should withdraw his candidature,” said Dr Muscat.

During an interview with The Sunday Times, Dr Muscat said Mr Fenech accepted a gift, which he claims was intended from the sister-in-law of rogue oil trader George Farrugia.

“Last week, Mr Fenech said he never met Mr Farrugia. Yesterday he said he met him at least twice, once in his own home. He had said he never met him in his capacity as minister, but yesterday he confirmed meeting him to discuss an Enemalta tender he was not awarded,” said Dr Muscat, adding that Mr Fenech also admitted receiving a gift.

“He is saying it is a token of admiration, whatever that means. But a gift is a gift,” he added. He acknowledged that the Code of Ethics might need to be updated but said this could not be done just because someone was caught “red-handed”.

He is saying it is a token of admiration, whatever that means. But a gift is a gift

Dr Muscat said only two things are yet to be established: the value of the clock and whether the gift came directly from Mr Farrugia or whether he was simply accompanying his brother.

Dr Muscat added that though Mr Fenech was not responsible for Enemalta at the time, he was still Finance Minister responsible for various other entities, including privatisation projects.

Dr Muscat said Mr Fenech had a “background” of receiving favours.

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