The President’s office has reacted to the story carried in Times of Malta that made reference to the wage bill as outlined in the Budget’s financial estimates.

In a statement with reference to the story titled ‘President's office wage bill up by €500,000’, the President’s office said:

“In response to the requirements of the people it serves, the Office of the Presidency has founded a number of initiatives to operate more effectively and transparently, namely the creation of a Psychosocial Team to better identify and respond to claims on MCCF funding; the enhancement of an Accounts and Procurement section to ensure complete transparency and accountability; the formation of an Events and Logistics Office to deliver effective and timely organisation, particularly with regard to the numerous philanthropic activities held in the public interest.

This Presidency has taken steps to ensure that every contributions and expenditure are subject to independent and impartial financial scrutiny and all funds collected are only used for the benefit of deserving persons identified by the MCCF.

The Press has a responsibility to represent the whole truth in a decent and faithful manner, free of innuendo, which fuels the seeds of discord. Attempts to reduce contributions to the MCCF risk a collapse in essential medical treatment and may harm the most vulnerable members of society in Malta and Gozo.”