Prime Minister Joseph Muscat said this evening that irrespective of the results of the financial investigation currently underway into Energy Minister Konrad Mizzi’s Panama account, he was listening to the people and would take whatever actions he deemed necessary in due time.
“People are asking questions and we are here to give answers… I will not shy away from giving answers and I will give them in due time…
“We are listening, reflecting, studying facts, seeing what the people’s reaction is and we will take action accordingly.
“This is a government that is listening... I understand there is a situation that has to be addressed and it will be. But we will address it when we have more facts and in a serene manner.”
Speaking in an interview on One TV this evening, Dr Muscat said all this would not be done because it was what the Opposition leader wanted. "I take my decisions irrespective of his protests," he said.
The Prime Minister said that unlike the previous government, this government did not say that what the people were feeling was just perception.
“We have to continue listening to the people and understand their sentiments. We will consider everything and reflect on it.”
He referred to the tax audit, which he said was being carried out by a world renowned company and said that apart from the facts that would come out, he would continue to listen to the people to understand their concerns and explain the situation.
“I want the people to understand that we get it. I am not happy with the Panama Papers situation…. Had no Maltese been mentioned - and there were more than a hundred companies related to Malta that were, the leaks were putting pressure on financial centres all over the world.
When it was pointed out to him that the Prime Minister of Iceland had resigned but Dr Mizzi had not, Dr Muscat said that the Icelandic Prime Minister was in the particular situation of having an undeclared account which contained millions.
Both Dr Mizzi and the OPM chief of staff Keith Schembri declared that their accounts were empty. An investigation was on and facts so far confirmed what they said.
PN LOAN SCHEME
On the recently launched loan scheme by the Nationalist Party, Dr Muscat said these loans would all be obligations running behind Simon Busuttil.
Someone who wanted to deposit €4,000 in a bank would be faced with 20 questions. Simon Busuttil was, however, going to accept this money no matter what. He was doing this to work around party financing legislation.
Dr Busuttil, the Prime Minister said, should commit himself to publish the names of all those taking up the scheme or withdraw it.
“This is his test,” he said.
MONTEKRISTO ZOO
Asked about action being taken following an incident at Montekristo in which a five-year-old boy was injured by a lioness, Dr Muscat said that no one was above the law and abuse would not be tolerated.
“I have given instructions for all necessary action to be taken,” he said.
PN STATEMENT
In a statement, the Nationalist Part said Dr Muscat did not say anything about the fact that Dr Mizzi and Mr Schembri had been caught trying to open secret bank accounts in Dubai and Panama and said they wanted these accounts for consultancy and brokerage.
What the people wanted was for Dr Mizzi and Mr Schembri to be dismissed. Otherwise, Dr Muscat should go, the PN said.
The people, the PN said, would be protesting about this in front of the Prime Minister’s office on Sunday.