In the Press: Former minister Giovanna Debono resigns from PN but stays on as independent MP

Stories from today’s national press.

Newspapers today are dominated by the story surrounding former Gozo minister Giovanna Debono’s husband and the allegations that he misappropriated public funds to carry out works for constituents, following MaltaToday reports.

MaltaToday

Giovanna Debono resigns from PN but not from parliament, where she is to stay on as independent MP, following MaltaToday reports on alleged misappropriation of some €5,000 by her husband. Anthony Debono was escorted up the steps to the Gozitan court in Cittadella at around 2pm. Debono was granted bail after being accused of using his official capacity to his own private advantage and abusing of  a public role and responsibilities entrusted to him among others.

Times of Malta

The plans to build a university in Marsascala may put pressure on the owners of the former Jerma Palace Hotel to develop the derelict site according to Prime Minister Joseph Muscat. Speaking after the official signing of the agreement with Jordanian investors for a new American University of Malta, Muscat said that an area near the Zonqor area had been earmarked for the project and that it could also include a rehabilitation of Fort Leonardo in the vicinity.

L-Orizzont

The General Workers’ Union is in talks with various companies around offering alternative employment to workers who face losing their jobs at Panta Lesco company in the coming weeks. One of the meetings held was with Enemalta plc, which has shown interest in employing a number of these workers.

In- Nazzjon

Nationalist Party leader Simon Busuttil  addresses press conference following the arraignment of former Gozo minister Giovanna Debono’s husband to announce that he had accepted her resignation. His actions are a demonstration of a more honest style of politics. Busuttil also announced that PN general secretary Chris Said will be replacing Debono to strengthen the party’s position in Gozo.

The Malta Independent

Giovanna Debono to stay on as independent MP and Chris Said accepts not to seek re-election as Secretary General to focus on Gozo. Debono first announced her resignation to media in Gozo shortly after the arraignment of husband Anthony Debono over allegations of misappropriation of public funds. PN leader Simon Busuttil later announced the news at a press conference where he also said that Said would not be running for his current post again, but that he would focus on Gozo to turn it back into a “PN fortress.”