Malta Burns as We Fiddle – An Astonishing Saga Unfolds
In a mind-boggling turn of events, the aftermath of a groundbreaking judgment that returned three hospitals to public ownership continues to unravel in Malta. Nearly three months have passed since the fateful ruling, and the consequences have snowballed into an extraordinary spectacle that shows no signs of abating.
From the very beginning, the ruling sparked a heated battle between the government and Steward Healthcare Malta, while the Opposition seized every opportunity to denounce what the judge described as a “fraudulent” deal. In a display of political prowess, the Nationalist Party, having set the legal action in motion, reveled in the blow to the ruling Labour Party. Adrian Delia, the former leader of the Nationalist Party, initiated the legal action, which his successor, Bernard Grech, has relentlessly pursued.
To address the issue, Prime Minister Robert Abela promptly ordered the Auditor General to investigate the government’s financial contributions to Steward. The aim was clear: recover any payments that failed to yield the promised returns in medical and related services. Ironically, these funds were allocated year after year in budgets that received the government’s own approval. In the face of persistent accusations that “€400 million were squandered,” the government, curiously, has not yet taken legal action to recoup this allegedly lost sum.
Since the momentous ruling on February 24th, the annulment of the hospitals deal has remained in the public eye, but this week it returned to the forefront with even greater intensity.
On Monday, the National Audit Office concluded its audit into the deal, stating that former Minister Konrad Mizzi had misled the Cabinet and orchestrated a side agreement that obligated the government to pay Steward a staggering €100 million should the hospitals contract be terminated. It was further revealed that between 2016 and 2021, the government had paid a total of €456 million to Vitals, the original concessionaires, and subsequently to Steward. Mizzi, dismissing the report as mere “conjecture,” showcased his remarkable talent for downplaying serious allegations.
Following on the heels of these revelations, two days later, articles published by Times of Malta and The Shift, in collaboration with the Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project, brought to light even more shocking details. The exposure prompted calls for arrests, as a whistleblower’s information, presented by the Nationalist Party in court, set the stage for further developments. Former Prime Minister Joseph Muscat even sought the recusal of Magistrate Gabriella Vella from her ongoing inquiry into the hospitals deal—a saga that commenced four years ago.
Amidst this chaos, Prime Minister Abela cunningly accused the Opposition of engaging in “political terrorism.” Employing such strong rhetoric, Abela sought to spin the narrative in his favor, conveniently ignoring the fact that his own government continued funneling taxpayer money into the hospitals’ deal even after he assumed office in 2020.
Opposition Leader Bernard Grech, on the other hand, vehemently insisted that the police and the Attorney General fulfill their duties while expressing his frustration at the institutional inertia plaguing the nation.
Make no mistake; this captivating tale is far from reaching its conclusion. Regardless of the government’s desperate attempts, aided by the Labour Party and its media allies, to downplay the gravity of the situation and shift blame elsewhere, the hospitals’ deal stands as a monument to a profoundly misguided decision from its inception.
Sadly, our society has become accustomed to the “everything goes” mentality, a hallmark of Labour’s decade-long tenure. While the country grapples with significant revelations and bombshells, it is disheartening to witness the general population’s attention fixated on banal reality television shows.
The age-old adage “Nero fiddles while Rome is burning” resonates profoundly with the state of affairs in our beloved nation. Labour has artfully cultivated an atmosphere of contentment, employing tax refunds and similar measures to mask its flaws—both grand and minute.
In this ongoing struggle for truth, a brave few, including NGOs like Repubblika and independent media outlets, valiantly fight against an overpowering establishment. As the majority fiddle away, Malta continues to burn.
Source: independent.com.mt
Michael
With over 20 years experience in web design, SEO and website promotion I always give you an expert advice in regard to any issues related to your Site Design, SEO, Internet Marketing, Promotion, Backlinks, Site Content. In order to help you find out what is missing or can be improved and get higher rankings in Google and more traffic.
Recommended Posts
Legal Nuances of Operating an Online Casino
May 17, 2024
Overview of Business Finance in Malta
May 17, 2024
Enhancing Payment Security with Blockchain
May 17, 2024