The European Commission has refused to answer questions on the EU implications of the recently revealed Maltese driving licence racket, which saw high-ranking officials and ministers push those loyal to the ruling Labour Party to the front of the queue for exams or get ‘help’ in ensuring a pass.
Under EU rules, those holding a valid Maltese licence are free to use it throughout the European Union as rules, requirements and standards are supposed to be harmonised between the 27 member states.
The Times of Malta recently revealed that government ministers and other officials fed names to the Transport Malta Licensing director, Clint Mansueto, to ‘help’ them obtain driving licences.
Despite voluminous evidence, the government has denied corruption, and the police are yet to announce action publicly.
This creates a situation whereby those who have gained a Maltese licence without actually passing the exam can drive throughout Europe, presenting a risk to other road users and violating EU law.
The Shift contacted the Commission’s transport department with several questions related to the scandal.
These included details of what action the Commission can take to ensure those holding a Maltese licence got it lawfully and can, therefore, drive in the EU, whether they have had contact with the Maltese authorities on the issue, and for a comment on the lack of condemnation from Prime Minister Robert Abela.
The Commission was also asked about their view on the apparent lack of police investigation, considering that the unlawful issuance of driving licences violates Malta’s obligations at an EU level.
A spokesperson responded by saying they “doubt we will be in a position to make any comments at this point, particularly given the ongoing national investigation,” adding they would be in touch if this changed.
The spokesperson failed to reply when pressed on two more general questions that would not impact any investigation.
When the scandal, supported by tranches of WhatsApp messages, emails and other documents, was made public, Abela defended those involved, including former transport minister Ian Borg, who is directly implicated. Borg is now foreign affairs minister.
“That is the way the political system works. If anyone says this should not apply to this country, I disagree,” the prime minister said.
He continued that each ministry, including his office, had officials responsible for helping people with their everyday needs.
“The way the minister acted is what is expected of any minister and secretariat,” adding that this also applied to education and health.
Local stakeholders, including Doctors for Road Safety, have said all licences should be reviewed for road safety if the allegations are proven.
Last week, NGO Repubblika asked the country’s police commissioner to file charges against seven individuals, adding the police have had evidence since 2021. Yet, so far, the police have not made a move.
Same system, different institution
Through separate investigations, The Shift established a new ‘system’, which has been informally put in place at ARMS to satisfy ministerial demands.
According to independent MEP Arnold Cassola and information given to The Shift, the names of consumers who present their ARMS final notices to OPM officials are recommended to the state utility institution to be given a second, third, or even fourth chance to settle their long-overdue bills.
Sources say that the final decision on this ‘extra help’ is being taken by Marisa Ciappara, the Financial Controller of ARMS, who incidentally is also the Financial Controller of the Labour Party.
Where are the legitimate opposing forces of this country to declare this government as one of an illegitimate nature due to the infinite number of very serious illicit practices that has adopted throughout the past decade?
Dear PM,
Politics should never be giving people what they do NOT deserve or entitled to. This is blatantly, unfortunately the current state of affairs in our Country.
People deserve what they are entitled, without the need to speak or contact any government minister, canvasser or any civil servant.
The role of government is to ensure an efficient system of administration and the best use of taxpayers’ funds. Where possible, the administration should increase benefits, particularly for those in need. This is what defines a true social policy and solidarity.
Acceptance of any illegal acts is NOT democratic or acceptable in any shape or form. Zero tolerance to any form of illegality and criminality.
That is the Oath of Office that every MP should abide by.
The Commission is not competent to deal with national domestic issues.
From Selling Passports to selling Driving Licences and anything in between.
Are there any Votes being Bartered for Citizenship????
Clasping at straws here, Alice. The EU Commission can hardly be expected to examine the driver licensing practices of every member state with any better success than other similar abuses (there are probably no fewer fake Schengen IDs in circulation than sham EU driving licences…). I’m by no means dismissing the severity of MLP’s corruption in this matter, and countless others, simply pointing out that the problem needs to be addressed locally and waiting for some benign intervention from Brussels just prolongs the agony.
No, they don’t need to examine every license, but in cases such as these, they should have an interest as it impacts EU rules and the safety of EU citizens. This is the point.
It might end up with ALL Driving licences since 2013 are unacceptable.
Please note that I referred to licensing practices, not individual licences. Haven’t studied the applicable EU regulations, but I would think that Malta must be violating them by licensing suspect drivers. Just like when Schengen access is sold to suspect passport buyers. Let’s see how long the court process takes on the latter… In other words, no quick relief from abroad should be expected to deal with homegrown crooks.
Is the EU Commission corrupt or does the EU Commission understand that Maltese businesses cannot find enough Maltese or EU drivers ?