BOV chairman address at Labour meeting ‘unacceptable’ – PN

Opposition says distinction between state and party totally discarded with BOV chairman addressing political meeting

John Cassar White (centre) with Prime Minister Joseph Muscat (left) - file photo
John Cassar White (centre) with Prime Minister Joseph Muscat (left) - file photo

The Opposition has said the participation of Bank of Valletta chairman John Cassar White in a Labour Party electoral activity “was unacceptable”.

Cassar White is the government-appointed chairman of the bank, whose largest institutional shareholder is the government with over 25% of shareholding.

Cassar White, an advisor to former Labour leader Alfred Sant, addressed a Labour Party political meeting on Tuesday evening, as part of the European election campaign.

“Cassar White’s participation has shown that in Labour’s MEP campaign, the distinction between party and state has been totally discarded. This is unacceptable. Our country has built a good reputation in the financial services sector, and this sector is a great contributor to job creation.

“The government must take all steps necessary to ensure that our financial services are free from political partisanship.”