But it is clear that the damage is taking its toll. The Malta Independent was the first to report the rumblings within the party as Education Minister Evarist Bartolo posted some not so cryptic posts on Facebook warning of storms and to take preventive action.
Since then, the Panama Papers were leaked, and there is very serious now serious worry that the revelations about Dr Mizzi’s holdings could have a very serious impact on Malta as a financial services centre. The PL’s parliamentary group held what was described as a very ‘animated’ meeting and this newspaper was the first to report that a number of senior ministers pushed for Dr Mizzi’s removal, although they remained solidly behind the Prime Minister.
Since then, the Finance Minister has weighed in with a statement to parliament, the highest institution in the land, where he said that the Prime Minister must take ‘tough’ decisions over the Panama Papers and its revelations.
He said that he will “neither defend nor accuse” anyone involved in the Panamagate scandal but insisted that a decision must be made to clear things out. He said that his Ministry is trying to make it very clear, on international level, that Malta is not a tax haven and that it is strong financial centre.
Prof. Scicluna is not the type of person to make such declarations lightly. He is a somewhat cautious character, but what he said in parliament speaks volumes. Only shortly after, the PM again defended Dr Mizzi, when he was door-stepped by reporters. He said that Dr Mizzi’s bid to open a bank account in Dubai and Panama were standard enquiries, more than formal attempts.
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