Updated | 'Discrepancies' found between fuel consumed, mileage registered by Busuttil’s official car

A magisterial inquiry has been launched into the fuel consumption of the official car used by Opposition leader Simon Busuttil, following a report presented by Speaker of the House Anglu Farrugia.

Speaking to MaltaToday, the Speaker explained that discrepanices emerged after the Parliament’s accountants checked the receipts presented on fuel consumed and mileage registered.

“The information was passed on to the Police,” the Speaker said. He added that the Clerk of the House had informed Busuttil of the ongoing investigation, 10 days ago.

Parliament pays for the provision of the car, the driver’s salary and fuel. The driver is chosen by the Leader of the Opposition on a person-of-trust basis.

Pending the investigation, Busuttil has been provided with a different car.

The Speaker explained that he learnt of the magisterial inquiry through the letter sent to him by Busuttil, where he requested the suspension of his driver.

The launch of the magisterial inquiry was made public by the PN leader himself who declared his full cooperation to the inquiry.

“Whatever the facts, I want the full truth. I have already notified the Magistrate of my full cooperation to her investigation,” Busuttil said in a statement. The writ was filed in court this morning and signed by lawyer Joe Giglio.

In a separate statement, the Nationalist Party said Busuttil had acted immediately, leading by example.

“As soon as he learned of the inquiry launched into the consumption of fuel of the car he uses, the Opposition leader immediately submitted an application notifying the court that he was at their full disposal,” the PN said.

The PN added that Busuttil’s actions contrasted with those of the Prime Minister, who failed to take action against parliamentary secretary Ian Borg in view of the Ombudsman’s report.

The case is being investigated by the Commission Against Corruption.

News of the magisterial inquiry comes just 24 hours after the Opposition presented its package of good governance rules.