Opposition Leader Bernard Grech has sharply criticised the Maltese government following the resignation of Clayton Bartolo as Tourism Minister, describing the decision as “late and half-baked.” Bartolo stepped down earlier today after weeks of mounting public pressure over allegations of abuse of power.
During a press conference held earlier today on Net tv, Grech accused Prime Minister Robert Abela of acting only after public outrage reached its peak. “Apart from having to return all €70,000, Robert Abela has an obligation to immediately remove Clint Camilleri, who is guilty of fraud and cover-up,” Grech said, urging for wider accountability within the government.
The controversy surrounding Bartolo erupted after a Standards Commissioner report revealed that he had appointed his wife, Amanda Muscat, to a lucrative consultancy role which she failed to fulfill. Despite his resignation, Bartolo avoided addressing these allegations in his official statement, which focused on his achievements as Tourism Minister.
Opposition Leader Grech insists Bartolo’s resignation is only a step toward addressing broader issues of corruption within the government. He has called for decisive action against others implicated in similar misconduct, including Minister Clint Camilleri.
Bernard Grech attributed Bartolo’s resignation to collective public efforts, emphasising the power of unity against corruption. “Events like today happened only because the people united against the fraud of Robert Abela and his government. I encourage us to continue to unite as one people to see a new government that stops this fraud. The people will surely win,” he said.
Bartolo’s replacement announced
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Affairs Minister Ian Borg will assume the role of Tourism Minister, according to Prime Minister Abela. The Prime Minister also announced that Bartolo has been expelled from the Labour Party’s parliamentary group but will continue to serve as an independent MP.
Abela cryptically referenced “different circumstances” behind Bartolo’s ousting, separate from the Standards Commissioner’s report, without elaborating further.
In a separate statement, Abela confirmed that Amanda Muscat will be required to repay the salary discrepancy uncovered in the Standards Commissioner’s investigation.
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