'No doubts cast on Leo Brincat's integrity' as PN calls on former minister to withdraw nomination

The Nationalist Party has called on Leo Brincat to withdraw his nomination to the European Court of Auditors, following the European Parliament’s consultative vote which has rejected him.

Brincat has already confirmed that his nomination will be referred to the Council of Ministers.

Arguing that the Panama Papers revelations on OPM Minister Konrad Mizzi and chief of staff Keith Schembri have tainted Malta’s reputation, the opposition said it was ready to support any nomination “as long as the person is not associated with the two”.

The PN reiterated that Brincat’s vote in favour of Mizzi during a parliamentary motion – a vote which Brincat described as “a no choice” – makes him inadequate for the European Court of Auditors “whose job is to reveal scandals, not conceal them”.

“Leo Brincat should be man enough to withdraw his nomination. Malta should not head towards the Presidency of the EU in conflict with the European Parliament to satisfy Joseph Muscat’s selfish needs,” the opposition added.

In a reaction, the Labour Party questioned whether the PN’s request was truly genuine, arguing that the support should have been shown on the two occasions that a Maltese candidate was seeking support from the EP political groups.

“The opposition has twice breached a tradition, which has since 2003 seen both the government and opposition coming together and actively work in favour of Malta’s interest,” Labour said.

It reminded that the Labour Party had supported the nominations of Josef Bonnici, Louis Galea, John Dalli and Tonio Borg, “all former Nationalist ministers who have faced allegations rasied against them”. It also reminded that the then Labour opposition had never been consulted on these nominations.

“Decisions are taken by the government. The opposition bases its decisions on partisan interests. The people will judge.”

The Labour Party went on to add that Brincat will respect the decision that will be taken by the Council of Ministers, where the final decision rests.

Throughout the nomination process, Labour added, no doubts were raised on Brincat’s integrity, competence and abilities.

Brincat himself, following the vote, said: "The members of this Committee led me to declare that I would respect their decision, which in my case was a positive one. I also note that at no stage of the plenary process, or that of the hearing by the Budgetary Control Committee, were my integrity, competence, knowledge and experience ever put in any doubt.

"I, therefore, feel comforted in referring my nomination to the Council of Ministers, in line with the governance mechanisms of the EU Treaties regarding appointments of members to the European Court of Auditors."