PN Calls for Removal of Officials Named in Vitals Hospitals Inquiry

The Nationalist Party (PN) in Malta has called for the removal of all government officials and ministers named in the recently concluded inquiry into the controversial Vitals hospitals deal. The inquiry's findings may lead to criminal charges against five individuals, including Deputy Prime Minister and former Health Minister Chris Fearne.

Why this matters: The Vitals hospitals deal controversy has far-reaching implications for Malta's government and its officials, potentially leading to a shake-up in the country's leadership and affecting the public's trust in its institutions. The outcome of this inquiry may also set a precedent for accountability in government dealings and contracts.

According to a report by The Times of Malta, Fearne, along with former Finance Minister Edward Scicluna and three top civil servants, is likely to be charged with crimes related to the Vitals deal. The five individuals are believed to be part of a "second tier" of suspects eyed for criminal prosecution, suspected of potential dereliction of duty rather than playing leading roles in the fraudulent deal.

In response to the allegations, Fearne has expressed eagerness to defend his integrity in court. "I have absolutely no doubt that the court will find nothing except my complete innocence," he says. Fearne claims to have personally requested an investigation into the allegations and offered full cooperation, which resulted in the Police Commissioner finding no grounds for criminal action.

Prime Minister Robert Abela has weighed in on the matter, stating that it will be his discretion, not that of any magistrate or inquiry, to decide whether to accept any resignations from government officials and ministers. "It will be my own discretion, and not that of any magistrate or inquiry, on whether to accept any resignations from government officials and ministers," Abela declared.

TheVitals hospitals dealhas been the subject of controversy and investigation in Malta. The exact nature of the crimes or allegations related to the deal has not been specified. Fearne, who is Malta's nominee for the post of European Commissioner, served as the country's health minister during the period in question.

As the Vitals inquiry has now concluded, its findings are expected to lead to criminal charges against the five named individuals. Deputy Prime Minister Fearne maintains his innocence and willingness to defend himself in court. The Prime Minister's statement on accepting resignations suggests that the government is preparing for potentialfalloutfrom the inquiry's revelations.

Key Takeaways

• Malta's Nationalist Party calls for removal of officials named in Vitals hospitals deal inquiry.
• Deputy PM Chris Fearne and 4 others may face criminal charges related to the deal.
• Fearne claims innocence and cooperation with investigation, offers to defend himself in court.
• PM Robert Abela says he'll decide on accepting resignations, not the magistrate or inquiry.
• Inquiry's findings may lead to a government shake-up and impact public trust in institutions.