[WATCH] Konrad Mizzi hails energy projects in Christmas video by the fireplace

It is fair to say that 2016 was not the best of years for Konrad Mizzi after he was the only European minister implicated in the Panama Papers scandal.

However, in a Christmas video message, Mizzi appeared sprightly and confident as he recounted the government’s work in the energy, health and projects sectors over the years.

Mizzi was originally the minister in charge of energy, health and Projects Malta but was in April demoted to a ‘minister without portfolio’ in the wake of the Panama Papers scandal.

The video features Mizzi in a traditional Christmas pose – seated in an armchair in front of a fireplace.

In it, he hailed the Delimara power station– now in its final stages - as a “revolutionary” project that will reduce harmful emissions and improve the quality of life for residents.

He also noted that Enemalta has improved its electricity distribution system, that Enemed launched a new petrol product, that the New Water project to convert drainage into high-quality water was launched, and that several feed-in tariff schemes were introduced to encourage people to make use of renewable energy.

Future projects include the dismantling of the Marsa and Delmara 1 power stations and the Birzebbuga fuel tanks, the construction of an underground car park in Mosta, the regeneration of the Mriehel Industrial Estate, and the construction of a tunnel linking Valletta to the Three Cities.

“2017 will be a year packed with work, in which the government will consolidate its initiatives and start new projects,” Mizzi said. “When it’s time for the next election, we’ll be able to face the public with a strong track record as a government that is addressing their needs.” 

Konrad Mizzi gazes at the LNG tanker berthed in Marsaxlokk Bay