The 17 Black revelations are “very worrisome”, according to the chairman of the European People’s Party and its candidate to become European Commission president.

The people were “sick and tired of the abuse of power”, Manfred Weber told a a press conference in Brussels on Tuesday.

He said that both the 17 Black revelations as well as the murder of journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia, posed a “real threat to societies”.

“That is why the Maltese government has to guarantee an independent investigation and that is why Malta has to deliver, otherwise there will be big problems,” Mr Weber went on.

Reacting to the EPP chairman’s comments, PN MEP Roberta Metsola said that in making his remarks, Mr Weber spoke in “no uncertain terms” and this served as proof that the abuse of power and corruption cannot be tolerated.

“We want to see a Europe where corruption is fought not excused. Where politicians are held to account and where everyone is equal before the law. That is what I have always stood for.

“People cannot understand how, despite the shocking revelations of 17 Black, Konrad Mizzi and Keith Schembri remain in power and the Prime Minister continues to defend their indefensible actions,” Dr Metsola said, urging Malta’s institutions to their duty and “put country before politics”.