Alternattiva Demokratika has demanded the immediate approval of the Standards in Public Life Bill, claiming politicians were responsible for one ethical failure after another.
During a press conference in front of Parliament, AD chairman Arnold Cassola said: "The discovery by chance of former Nationalist ministers’ secret Swiss bank accounts, others who accepted gifts which they should have refused, Labour ministers who forget to half a million euros hidden under their mattress, questionable agreements on the transfer of property in Valletta with the help of staff in the private secretariat of the Parliamentary Secretary for Lands, and opening of companies in Panama as if it is an entirely nornal thing to do, has obviously led to a sense of disgust with the behaviour of these politicians.”
In a strongly-worded statement, he accused Opposition leader Simon Busuttil of arrogance when he assumes that he "has a right" to decide for others if they should attend tomorrow's protest against corruption.
It pays to engage in politics with those who can give you something back
"The attitude and mentality cultivated over the years is that it pays to engage in politics with those who can give you something back. Those who help and finance their campaigns are someway or another thanked through public funds.
It is crystal clear that the political system that both the PL and the PN insist on keeping suits them well, because they know it is totally under their control. It has led to a system of dispensation of favours and clientelism instead of a transparent, modern and pluralist democracy."
Prof. Cassola said the immediate step to be taken is the approval of the bill on standards in public life. Had the bill been approved into law the Commissioner for Standards would have been able to investigate any minister or politician who does not behave ethically, and investigate every minister and member of parliament who hides money in Panama and Switzerland.
If the law on standards in public life has been approved the appointed Commissioner for Standards in Public Life would have immediately, without requiring permission from the Prime Minister, sent for Konrad Mizzi and Keith Schembri, the businessman the Prime Minister chose as head of his secretariat, and requested a detailed explanation about their company in Panama.
"This is what would have happened in a country with a developed democracy," he said.