Roberta Metsola says European Parliament report proves Malta needs urgent change

‘My job here is to do my part to show that Maltese should not be characterised by those crooks with everything to lose.'

“The rot that this report uncovered does not represent the characteristics of the majority of the people of Malta and Gozo. But it does prove how urgently change in Malta is needed,” MEP Roberta Metsola said in the European Parliament this morning.

Roberta Metsola, who is the European People’s Party Coordinator in the Civil Liberties Committee, said “The delegation got a very clear picture of the situation on the ground - not that we needed a delegation of MEPs to tell us that it is outrageous that the Police have refused to even investigate - let alone prosecute - accusations of corruption and money laundering by politically exposed persons and their dodgy banks; Or that whistle-blowers must be protected not harassed and targeted; Or that journalists must be free to write without being murdered; Or that this culture of impunity must end. These principles must be self-evident”.

She continued: “Our Prime Minister’s machine spared no time in going after me, the whistle-blowers, and all the Members of the delegation, but by now they should know that we will do our duty, come what may.  Here we are standing up for the country we want, the nation we were guaranteed - speaking up for the fulfilment of the promise of Europe we fought so hard for.  Malta deserves to be one where checks and balances exist more than simply on paper, where the law cannot be abused to protect the crooked. Where journalists can write without being blown up. Where the rule of law functions as it should.”

Concluding, Roberta Metsola appealed for Malta not to bear the brunt, saying “My country is inhabited by proud people and my job here is also to do my part to show all of you, and everyone watching, that Maltese and Gozitans should not be characterised by those crooks with everything to lose.  Our island is better than that. They do not represent who we are or our values and we will keep pushing for the all the necessary changes to be made."

The meeting is ongoing.