When Prime Minister Joseph Muscat called in the press to announce the ‘resignation’ of Michael Falzon as parliamentary secretary, following a damning report by the National Audit Office on the Gaffarena scandal, an unrepentant Dr Falzon said some people were now “pleased with their pound of flesh”.

He contested the findings of the report, right there in front of a Prime Minister announcing his departure on the basis of that very report.

The Prime Minister was not surprised by Dr Falzon’s protests because the former parliamentary secretary had already referred to what he termed as “inconsistencies” and “contradictions” in the NAO report in his letter of ‘resignation’ wherein he did not resign. That the Prime Minister did not stop Dr Falzon from attacking the independent office of the Auditor General in his presence was a grave mistake and contradicts any claims he made that day of good governance.

Dr Falzon went much further last week in an interview on Xarabank. Feeling bullish, and encouraged by a sympathetic audience, he launched an incredible attack on the Auditor General, his office and his staff.

He began by insisting he had done nothing wrong and had nothing to hide, stressing he had followed procedures. He then went on to claim that the NAO report was politically motivated and an attempt to damage the government.

He launched a vicious attack upon the architect who estimated the property prices, saying he had reported him to the Chamber of Architects and to the University of Malta where he teaches.

The Auditor General, his deputy and his chief investigator also did not escape unscathed because, in his tirade, Dr Falzon said they should have long resigned. The National Audit Office gave Dr Falzon the answer he deserved: nothing. It simply said it stood by its report.

It is understandable that the former parliamentary secretary is hurt by what has happened. But no politician can ever be expected to stay in office when the Auditor General concludes that: “Such collusive action… was in clear breach of the fundamental principles of good governance, transparency and fairness.”

The Prime Minister did the right thing in seeing him go, although many would argue that he should have moved against Dr Falzon months ago. But is incredible that the Prime Minister does not distance himself from the statements being made by Dr Falzon. Instead, Dr Muscat said that Dr Falzon was only defending himself and the government respected the NAO and was acting on its findings.

Dr Falzon’s assault on the integrity of an independent institution is not a defence but an attempt to undermine the credibility of the National Audit Office. His accusation that the NAO had leaked information, his calling the report “disgusting” and his final exclamation that “even Christ was crucified” are not lines of defence but talk of a wounded politician who should be censured by the party he represents.

It is useless that the Prime Minister points to past incidents involving the former Nationalist administration to justify his refusal to distance himself from Dr Falzon’s statements. Dr Muscat promised a different and better government at the last election and two wrongs never make a right.

The government’s record in office with regard to the county’s independent institutions is nothing to be proud off. It has already ended up in court with the Ombudsman over army promotions.

If Dr Falzon does not gets his wings clipped, and fast, it would only mean that the Prime Minister agrees with his statements.