The Nationalist Party should stop attacking institutions if they decide against it, the Labour Party charged today.

"You either agree with Simon Busuttil or else he will attack you," Justice Minister Owen Bonnici told a news conference outside the Broadcasting Authority headquarters along with Civil Rights Minister Helena Dalli.

The news conference was called after the PN accused the Broadcasting Authority of not guaranteeing impartiality as its complaint on the Prime Minister's New Year message was dismissed.

"You might have reservations about reports or decisions made by institutions, but you still have to respect them," Dr Bonnici said.

The contrast was clear when the government said it would respect the tough report drawn up by the Auditor General on the Gaffarena scandal and shouldered its political responsibility. 

The PL also criticised Opposition MP Claudette Buttigieg who "criticised" a member of the judiciary who is probing claims about the Addolorata cemetery.

Likewise, the PN had exerted pressure when an inquiry was being drawn up about former Minister Manuel Mallia's driver.

Dr Dalli wondered why the Nationalist Party said nothing when the BA recently ruled in its favour. The PN hasn't changed, she said, recalling an incident wherein former Prime Minister Eddie Fenech Adami who had criticised the Ombudsman.

PN hits out at government

In a statement, the PN said it was Prime Minister Joseph Muscat and his Cabinet who constantly attacked independent institutions.

When the Gaffarena report was published last Wednesday, both the Prime Minister and outgoing Parliamentary Secretary Michael Falzon attacked the Auditor General's credibility and independence.

Likewise, Parliamentary Secretary Ian Borg attacked the Ombudsman when he criticised the methods used for his to obtain a building permit.

"It's Muscat and those around him, who are mired in corruption, who attack all those who disagree with them. No wonder Muscat's credibility is in freefall," the PN said.