Malta's Prime Minister Defends Officials Amid Vitals Hospitals Corruption Charges

Malta's Prime Minister Robert Abela has defended Central Bank Governor Edward Scicluna and former Health Minister Chris Fearne, who face charges of corruption and fraud in connection with the Vitals hospitals concession. This high-profile case has stirred significant controversy and legal challenges, involving accusations of fraud, misappropriation, and dereliction of duty.

Fearne and Scicluna, along with 12 others, pleaded not guilty to the charges. However, the case encountered a significant procedural error when the prosecution mistakenly charged a non-existent company, DF Advocates. Defense lawyer Ezekiel Psaila highlighted this error, noting that DF Advocates was merely a trade name and not a registered entity.

Magistrate Leonard Caruana ruled that the charges against DF Advocates were invalid on the grounds of improper notification. The case was deferred to June 11, with Caruana criticizing the prosecution for its *'most serious shortcoming.' * The sitting lasted from 11am to 10:15pm, with the accused unable to enter their pleas until hours into the proceedings following legal wranglings.

The Vitals hospitals case has significant implications for Malta's political environment and judicial system, highlighting issues of transparency and accountability among public officials. If not addressed, this could lead to a loss of trust in the government and institutions, potentially affecting the country's reputation and stability.

Prime Minister Abela has questioned whether the inquiring magistrate shut out police investigations in the case. Justice Minister Jonathan Attard also criticized the gagging order requested by Attorney General lawyers and granted by the court, calling it *'disproportionate.'* Abela defended Attard's comments, stating they did not interfere with the Attorney General's autonomy and were made within *'prudent parameters.'*

The Vitals hospitals case, originating from a 2015 privatization deal for three hospitals, has implicated several high-ranking officials, including former Prime Minister Joseph Muscat. Scicluna, who was finance minister at the time, is accused of being kept in the dark about the specifics of the deal before approving it in the budget. Fearne resigned as deputy prime minister earlier this month and withdrew his nomination as Malta's next European Commissioner.

Scicluna, the only one still holding public office, has refused to resign, citing European Central Bank (ECB) rules that protect officials from political pressure unless convicted or rendered unable to fulfill their duties. He earns a €138,000 pay package plus perks and has stated, *'No government, Opposition or NGO can ask me to resign'.

Prime Minister Abela's defense of Scicluna has drawn criticism, with opponents arguing that allowing him to remain in power undermines accountability and damages Malta's reputation. This case highlights the broader issues of transparency and governance within Malta's political environment.

The arraignment has been adjourned to June 11, with the future of the case uncertain because of the prosecution's blunder. The legal and political ramifications of this case continue to unfold, raising questions about the integrity of Malta's judicial process and the accountability of its public officials.

Key Takeaways

• Malta's PM defends Central Bank Governor and former Health Minister against corruption charges.
• Prosecution's error: charging non-existent company DF Advocates, leading to case deferral.
• Vitals hospitals case implicates high-ranking officials, including former PM Joseph Muscat.
• Central Bank Governor Edward Scicluna refuses to resign, citing ECB rules.
• Case raises concerns about transparency, accountability, and Malta's judicial process.