The Prime Minister adopted "high ethical standards" when he sanctioned Konrad Mizzi over his Panama company, the Economy Minister said.

Chris Cardona described Dr Mizzi's decision "a mistake" for which he had paid a price, when asked about a commitment to uphold high ethical standards in his manifesto for party delegates.

Dr Cardona was speaking at the launch of his deputy leadership campaign this morning.

The Mizzi saga was a closed chapter

Giving a press conference at Dock One at the heart of Cospicua, Dr Cardona said the Mizzi saga was a closed chapter.

However, when asked about the Prime Minister's chief of staff Keith Schembri, who was not censured despite also opening a Panama company, Dr Cardona insisted he was not a politician.

"Schembri enjoys the Prime Minister's trust and reports directly to him," Dr Cardona said.

He added the onus now was on the Opposition leader to show that he had high ethical standards by taking action against his deputy leaders and PN MP Tony Abela for having a company with a convicted criminal.

Asked about his recent comment that the Labour Party should fight back with an axe, Dr Cardona said it was a political metaphor to emphasise the need of the party to react in self defence when it is unjustly criticized by its opponents.

Dr Cardona was the first to enter the race for Labour deputy leader party affairs after Dr Mizzi resigned.

His manifesto includes proposals to strengthen dialogue and participation of the party's various sections.

Salient proposals include the setting up of child care facilities at the Labour headquarters, creation of a legal unit to assist people seeking justice from government and identifying an official to serve as a link between local councillors and ministries.

Owen Bonnici and Stefan Zrinzo Azzopardi are also contesting the post.

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