The “majority” of Labour MPs still want Konrad Mizzi to resign, according to members of the parliamentary group.
Government MPs who spoke on condition of anonymity told The Sunday Times of Malta that the majority of them feel the Cabinet reshuffle has not placated public anger over the Panama Papers scandal.
However, the MPs have “mixed feelings” over the fate of Keith Schembri, the Prime Minister’s chief of staff also implicated in the scandal.
Last Thursday, Prime Minister Joseph Muscat announced he had stripped Dr Mizzi of the energy and health portfolios but retained him as minister within his office, while no action was taken against Mr Schembri. Chris Fearne, Manuel Mallia and Jose Herrera were elevated to ministerial posts.
Dr Muscat had held a 15-minute meeting with each of the MPs over the previous few days to discuss the crisis triggered off by the Panama Papers, which revealed that Dr Mizzi and Mr Schembri owned companies in Panama and trusts in New Zealand.
Both insist they have not done anything wrong.
“Three-quarters of our MPs want Konrad Mizzi out. His position is no longer tenable,” one senior MP said.
His claim was reinforced by another parliamentarian who said: “The majority want Konrad out.”
The anger towards the minister appears to have been exacerbated in the last few weeks because at no point did Dr Mizzi express regret.
Dr Mizzi is now facing a vote of no-confidence in Parliament called by independent MP Marlene Farrugia.
I know many MPs who are uneasy about the vote, but the general sentiment is that we should all toe the party line
“I know many MPs who are uneasy about the vote, but the general sentiment is that we should all toe the party line. We simply cannot de-stabilise the government,” one source said.
MPs said they believed Dr Muscat soldiered on and retained Dr Mizzi in the Cabinet because he sincerely believed he was a major asset to carry out the government’s work.
Still, the Prime Minister might have his hand forced if new information emerges implicating his two close allies. More data from the Panama Papers will be released on May 9.
“If something new comes out, people will feel even more betrayed and then the Prime Minister would be compelled to act.”
Mr Schembri appears to have been spared the MPs’ anger, at least to a certain extent.
“We owe Keith so much for the Labour victory, and for the incredible work he puts in,” one parliamentarian said.
On the other hand, a number of MPs have spoken out against further action, insisting the Nationalists were not to be trusted. “Some are saying that once Konrad is out, the PN will aim their guns at someone else.”
While MPs applauded Dr Mizzi’s decision to resign from his post as Labour deputy leader, they insisted there should be no “anointed” one in the next election.
Dr Mizzi was elected deputy leader last February in what was widely seen as an appointment ordained by the Prime Minister.