Alternattiva Demokratika said today it was full square behind European Greens call for a parliamentary inquiry committee on the Panama leaks.

In a statement, AD secretary general Ralph Cassar expressed support for the Greens’ call in the European Parliament for the inquiry.

The Panama leaks revelations, show how wealthy individuals and firms channel funds through offshore firms to avoid paying taxes. Those mentioned include Energy Minister Konrad Mizzi.

The Greens/EFA group in the European Parliament is leading the push for the creation of a European Parliamentary inquiry committee to properly investigate the revelations and their implications at EU level.

"Panama Leaks shows we have so far just been scratching at the surface of the odious tax avoidance practises employed by individuals and businesses around the world and Europe.

“The Panama Papers have shown that obligations under existing EU anti-money laundering legislation are not enforced by EU governments and authorities. It would appear that, as with the revelations in Luxembourg Leaks, EU institutions and governments have failed in their duty to enforce the law.

“Malta’s role in global tax evasion and the use of fiduciary companies by people connected to the Italian Mafia is also extremely worrying. Normal working people contribute to society and public services through taxation while the super-rich hide their money to avoid shouldering their responsibilities.”