Muscat proud of having broken ‘PN’s 25-year monopoly’, accuses Busuttil of 'dirty politics'

Prime Minister Joseph Muscat came out in full defence of his chief of staff, accusing the Leader of the Opposition, Simon Busuttil, of twisting facts and representing “the worst of politics”.

Addressing the House of Representatives in a debate on a motion of censure against him, Muscat dubbed the debate “a waste of time” whilst accusing Busuttil of spreading filth.

“There is one thing which Keith Schembri and I managed to do which I am extremely proud of: we broke the monopoly which the PN had for 25 years. And we did it thanks to this formidable group I am surrounded with. This is something you will never forgive Schembri for,” Muscat told the opposition.

Muscat said the main difference between the two was that the opposition thought it was “perfect and pure” while the government admits it can always do better.

The Prime Minister described the evening’s debate as “a waste of time”, blaming the opposition for failing to present a constructive debate and instead resorting to repeating the same thing. He said, that politicians should get back to discussing more important matters such as the economy, the distribution of wealth and the Caritas report on poverty.

Muscat also accused Busuttil of “being led” by people writing on the internet, with the parliamentary privilege he enjoyed granting him the protection required to repeat the allegations surrounding Keith Schembri and Konrad Mizzi and the Panama Papers revelations.

Muscat said Busuttil presented half-truths in his debate, twisting facts and omitting facts that would have otherwise presented a different picture. “This is the worst of politics,” Muscat said, arguing that he would not “stoop low as Busuttil did”.

The prime minister described Marlene Farrugia’s motion as “a legitimate one” but also managed to turn the proposed composition of an ad hoc committee against Busuttil.

“When I took Busuttil before the privileges committee, he complained over a lack of hearing because the government enjoyed the majority. Yet, he didn’t even realize that the proposed committee would have been chaired by the opposition with the opposition enjoying the majority. At the same time, it only goes to show that Busuttil believes that he’s untouchable,” Muscat said.

He went on to question why the committee would be required if the PN leader had already decided Schembri’s fate.

But Muscat, also accused Busuttil of abuse of power if he were to become prime minister: “It is clear from the way he spoke to me that, if he were to become prime minister, he would call in the police chief or the head of the bank to ask for information about private people. It is what he asked me: why didn’t I ask for information?”

The Prime Minister accused Busuttil of spreading out filth, only to withdraw it when the Speaker urged him to use language which was more “adequate” for parliament.