Tourism Minister Konrad Mizzi’s dismissal of a damning European Parliament cross-party report on the rule of law in Malta has not gone down well with MEPs, according to sources who spoke to The Shift.

Mizzi is at the centre of allegations in the mission report concluded by MEPs investigating the rule of Malta. The report stated that Mizzi’s, as well as Keith Schembri’s, continued presence in government was damaging to Malta and increased the possibility of the continuation of criminal activity.

The report called for Mizzi and Schembri to be removed from public office, investigated and brought to justice.

During a press conference yesterday, Mizzi was asked whether he will resign in view of the damning conclusions of the report. In his reply, he dismissed the report as ‘spin’ by PN MEP David Casa.

Soon after his announcement, despite calls for his removal, he was partying in Gozo for the launch of a boutique hotel, Quaint, by Joseph Portelli, a developer whose projects have been closely linked to government members.

David Casa

European Parliament sources that spoke to The Shift stated: “While the fact that Casa carries a lot of weight in the European Parliament is well known, suggesting that he orchestrated a report that has been signed off by all political groups including the Labour Party’s political group – the Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats (S&D) – is preposterous”.

Contacted by The Shift, David Casa said: “The report that was presented by the MEP delegation represents the position of the European Parliament. Every political group had a representative on the delegation.

“Suggesting I somehow brainwashed them is just ridiculous. It does not take much to come to the conclusion that Mizzi and Schembri should be nowhere near public office. The evidence that these people are involved in criminal activity is extensive and in the public domain. The longer this situation persists the more damage will be done to Malta’s reputation”.