Opposition leader Simon Busuttil this evening welcomed the report by the Auditor General on the expropriation of property part-owned by Mark Gaffarena.

Speaking at a press conference, Dr Busuttil said the report vindicated what the opposition and the media had been saying and condemned the actions of Parliamentary Secretary Michael Falzon.

It also confirmed the corruption which had now become a trade mark of the government. 

Dr Busuttil noted how Dr Falzon had said that sections of the auditor's report read like they were written by the opposition. This only served to show, he said how what the opposition had been saying was correct. 

The report was a huge blow to the prime minister's credibility, which was now in freefall, Dr Busuttil said. Ultimately, he pointed out, the Government Property Division fell under his direct portfolio.

Unfortunately, he said, it was the people who were paying for this corruption.

Dr Busuttil thanked the media for uncovering this scandal.

On this issue which was clear for everyone to see that the prime minister dragged his feet for eight long months but was today forced to accept Dr Falzon's resignation, he said. But Dr Muscat was not convinced of his decisions but he was forced to do it by circumstances 

Asked about the criminal investigation, Dr Busuttil said he hoped  the government would take all recommendations on board. This was the most damning report so far for the Labour government