Deputy Prime Minister Chris Fearne has resigned as he faces charges in relation to the public hospitals scandal.
Fearne, who was slated for the next European Commissioner post, is among those facing charges of of fraud, misappropriation and fraudulent gain in connection with the hospitals’ deal.
On social media, Fearne said he wished he could have had the inquiry report before acting, “but it seems this will take some time, and it’s not possible for me to keep waiting”.
He posted the resignation letter he sent to Prime Minister Robert Abela in full, while insisting on his innocence.
“Let me be clear, I am not taking this step because I have any doubt about my innocence but because it’s the right thing to do,” he said in his letter, expressing appreciation for the support the Labour Party gave him.
He pointed out that he was “exonerated” in the Auditor General’s investigation of the deal, which concluded that it was “fraudulent.”
He said his decision was in the interest of “putting the people first”.
Fearne concluded by saying he hoped the legal process would be expedited so his name “could be cleared… And if my country calls on me to serve, I will be in a position to continue to do so.”
The prime minister has asked Fearne to reconsider.
Opposition Leader Bernard Grech has said Robert Abela was wrong to insist that high-ranking public officers facing criminal charges should remain in their jobs. “He is also wrong when he continues to attack the institutions.”
Grech added: “This is an irreversible process that must take place, and it would be wrong of Abela to try and stop it.”
Given his involvement in the Addolorata Cemetery contract as well, I’m amazed he’s remained in Government.
L poplu qed jaghmlu xi bniedem ta integrita! Far from it! He was part of the real deal! He sold our health and gave 400 million down the drain! X hasra ta poplu! Titnejjek bih kif trid!
I would be amazed he wasn’t.
An innocent person doesn’t resign … there’s no smoke without fire and he knows how deep this goes ..
FEARNE fil fehem TIEGHI ABELA stess KIEN il kagun ghax lil kieku inqata KOMPLETAMENT mil PRIM KORROT u keccieh BHAL ma GHAMEL KONRAD MIZZI kieku ma gejniex f din is sitwazjoni PERIKOUZA li qedin fija.
X HEMM LI QED JIDDIFENDI LIL MUSCAT GHAKOST TA KOLLOX?
JIDDEFENDIEH U FL ISTESS HIN IWARBU LANQAS FUQ ONE TV MA IRIDUHX JIDHER
Another “Innocenti” who unfortunately conned the public when he stated it’s the Real Deal having had access to all that it entailed. Now he’s going to try and detach himself from the stench of a doomed “government”, but the stink will remain even in his retirement.
Ministers shouldn’t allow to be duped by other members of the cabinet. He should have resigned when he became aware of the behind his back dealing.
At last some one with some Integrity