In an interview with Dione Borg on the program Kuntatt on NET FM, Partit Nazzjonalista (PN) Leader Bernard Grech discussed recent developments regarding the magisterial inquiry into the 17 Black company and the Panama Papers. Grech described these developments as further evidence supporting longstanding claims by the PN that the Electrogas power station project was tied to corruption under Labour-led governments.
Grech criticized the Attorney General, Victoria Buttigieg, for not providing a copy of the full inquiry to those who originally initiated it, including PN representatives Simon Busuttil and David Casa. He emphasized that the Attorney General has a responsibility to publish the inquiry, which he has repeatedly called for. Grech argued that full publication would allow the public to understand the extent of alleged corruption and how funds were misappropriated.
The PN Leader also reiterated his concerns about inaction by the Police Commissioner and Attorney General, stating that many corruption cases tied to the Labour Party remain unresolved. He highlighted that the magisterial inquiry into 17 Black, which linked the company to former Minister Konrad Mizzi and former Chief of Staff Keith Schembri, was only made possible through the efforts of PN officials and journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia, who exposed the company before her assassination.
Grech urged Prime Minister Robert Abela to ensure the inquiry’s publication and accused him of failing to hold his government accountable. He also expressed concerns that the inquiry could face the same delays as other investigations, such as the Vitals-Steward case. Should this occur, Grech stated that the PN would pursue legal action and public demonstrations to defend citizens’ rights.
He said that Labour MPs had obstructed efforts to investigate the Electrogas project within the Parliamentary Public Accounts Committee, including voting against summoning key witnesses. Grech concluded by reiterating his party’s commitment to uncovering the truth and addressing corruption.
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