Minister for Finance, the Economy and Investment Tonio Fenech’s reaction to allegedly receiving a €5,000 gift from George Farrugia was borderline intimidation of a state witness, Joseph Muscat argued.

The Minister’s private secretary had testified in Court that he had taken bribes in the past in exchange for fixing people’s tax bills, Dr Muscat alleged, adding that the money was then used for the Minister’s electoral campaign. He added that a contractor had carried out renovations on the Minister’s home with hopes that the Minister would help him sell Jerma Palace hotel.

The PL Leader asked whether the Prime Minister will continue to defend his Minister, even though he has been implicated. Yesterday’s attempt by the Minister to blame Joe Cordina on his involvement in the oil scandal was a failure, as he was not involved, Joseph Muscat concluded.