Police officers doubled as waiters at an official banquet hosted by Home Affairs Minister Manuel Mallia for European Broadcasting Union delegates at the Prime Minister’s official country residence in Girgenti this week.

The banquet, held on Thursday evening, was organised by Dr Mallia’s ministry since broadcasting forms part of his portfolio.

The meal was held for around 250 guests who are in Malta for the union’s general assembly.

This was degrading – Opposition spokesman

The police force, which also falls under Dr Mallia’s political responsibility, provided food through its catering unit.

Sources said most of the preparation took place at the Police Depot in Floriana and was transported to Girgenti in Siġġiewi before the event.

Although Dr Mallia told Parliament yesterday the police officers had volunteered to serve the guests, sources told Times of Malta that between 25 and 30 officers were ordered to leave their stations and report for work at Girgenti.

It is not clear whether they were dressed as waiters or whether they wore police uniforms.

Prime Minister Joseph Muscat’s wife Michelle welcomed guests at Girgenti on behalf of her husband, who was attending the European Union summit in Brussels.

Dr Mallia confirmed in Parliament yesterday that the meal had taken place and officers had volunteered to act as waiters.

Opposition spokesman for Home Affairs Jason Azzopardi said it was “degrading” for officers to be asked to serve guests at an official banquet that was not in any way connected to the police.

Sources said the force was chosen to provide the food to save money on outside catering. Having police officers serve as waiters was also a cost-cutting initiative, they said.