Prime Minister Joseph Muscat this morning testified in court over the Gaffarena property expropriation case but denied being responsible for what had taken place, despite the Lands Department having been within his ministerial responsibilities. 

Dr Muscat said he had learned from the media about the allegations made following the part-expropriation of the property in Old Mint Street. 

The case was then investigated by the National Audit Office which had shed light upon certain facts. These included differential treatment, the manner in which payments were effected by the Lands Department as well as the issue whether the remaining undivided share of the property was to be purchased.

The NAO had declared that payments should have been given to all the co-owners of the Valletta property.

READ: How the Michael Falzon/Gaffarena scandal developed

These considerations prompted him to institute the case in January 2016 against Marco and Josielle Gaffarena, asking the court to revoke the expropriation.

Asked whether he was responsible for the entities falling under his ministry, the Prime Minister declared that he delegated authority to his parliamentary secretaries, who were responsible for the day-to-day running of the government departments. His role as prime minister was to set general direction.

Asked who would ultimately bear responsibility for the outcome of the case, the Prime Minister pointed out that political responsibility had already been borne by the Parliamentary Secretary (Michael Falzon) who had resigned from office in the wake of the alleged scandal.

Several questions tabled by Dr Keith Bonnici, acting on behalf of the Gaffarena spouses, were declared to be irrelevant by the court, presided over by Madame Justice Anna Felice, who insisted that the witness was to answer only on facts. Legal issues were to be left to the interpretation of the court.

The case continues with final submissions being scheduled to take place on June 27.