The Prime Minister’s Cabinet reshuffle was nothing but “an insult to the intelligence of all Maltese people”, the Civil Society Network said this morning, insisting it was now more crucial than ever to hold next week’s peaceful protest.

The protest is to serve as a call for the resignations of Minister Konrad Mizzi and the Prime Minister’s chief of staff Keith Schembri, following their involvement in Panama Papers scandal.

“The Prime Minister’s farcical reshuffle in the past days was an insult to the intelligence of all Maltese people who believe in good governance," Michael Briguglio, who co-founded the network, told a press conference in front of Parliament.

"Given Konrad Mizzi’s and Keith Schembri’s involvement in Panama Papers, the least they can do is resign."

Dr Mizzi now had more power as he was working within the Office of the Prime Minister

Announcing a Cabinet reshuffle last Thursday, the Prime Minister said Dr Mizzi would retain his position as minister but would lose the energy and health portfolios.

Mr Briguglio said this was nothing but a gimmick and, if anything, Dr Mizzi now had more power as he was working within the Office of the Prime Minister.

He said that other politicians and politically exposed persons in other democracies had stepped down when their names where revealed in the scandal. Only those from countries like Russia and China had not.

The protest will be held next Sunday in front of Parliament, Mr Briguglio said, adding that there will be no speeches, as he urged the public to attend.

“We are simply demanding what is normal and obvious in a democratic society: politicians and politically exposed persons should not be associated with tax havens and dubious financial dealings,” he added. 

The Civil Society Network during this morning's press conference. Photo: Alan CarvilleThe Civil Society Network during this morning's press conference. Photo: Alan Carville

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