Social Policy Minister Michael Falzon refused to confirm or deny whether Mark Calleja – who has been named in court as being involved in the social benefits fraud racket – remains one of his persons of trust.

Asked by journalists about the allegations, which were made in court by one of the people accused of running the benefits racket, Falzon said that he doesn’t think the answer to the question is relevant.

He said that what is relevant is that if it turns out that someone, whoever they are, is proved of wrongdoing, action will assuredly be taken.

On whether he had received the allegation against Calleja a year ago, Falzon said that he had nothing to add and reiterated that where there was proven wrongdoing, steps would be taken.

Asked about whether the presidential pardon granted to those who wrongfully received social benefits was just, he said that the terms were explained in the government’s statement and that the pardon, “clearly”, only counts for those who received social benefits, not for those who could have been involved, and they must satisfy a number of conditions also outlined in the same statement.

On being asked if he felt uncomfortable, due to the alleged involvement of his Ministry, and if he was part of the Cabinet’s decision to recommend the pardon, Falzon replied that he is a member of Cabinet. He said that Cabinet’s procedures are sealed for 30 years and he insisted that he would never disclose what was said in Cabinet. Furthermore, when asked if other members of Cabinet were also involved in the scandal, Falzon refused to talk about allegations.

The Malta Independent cited a message which read “We won’t have any trouble as long as there is Michael Falzon”, which was cited in court, and asked whether it concerned him, to which the Minister replied that the message must be seen in its context and that he has nothing to add.

The Malta Independent also asked if it is an injustice in itself that those who fraudulently received the benefits are given a presidential pardon, Falzon answered that it is the Cabinet’s decision. He added that this isn’t the first time that this happened, saying that there was someone who received three pardons for crimes that weren’t related.

“That is the law, that is the constitution, who am I to question the constitution?”, Falzon said.

When asked if he agreed that the institutions are against Labourites, Falzon said that he has nothing to add to what the Prime Minister had said and maintained the same opinion.

Related

Australia passes Digital ID Bill

REI Anniversary Sale 2024 is now live: Explore these deals through May 27, while supplies last

The one position battle remaining for the Chiefs

Majority of EU nations want more partnerships to stem migration from countries of origin

Malta among 8 EU states saying conditions in Syria should be reassessed to allow refugee returns

Government inaugurates new Agenzija Sapport community centre for people with disabilities

Ministry of Health, MUMN reach agreement over centre for mental health education

Ministry for Social Policy announces public consultation for Family Social Plan

Eleven historical heritage sites to be restored through local councils scheme

More people accused in hospitals case complain that they were not given chance to testify

lebu Vs Malta jokes#shortvideo #asmr #viral #sumonska #jokes #funny

[Editorial] Start working on AI bill