Employer bodies call for an urgent MCESD meeting, noting ‘serious concerns’ with Abela’s statements

The Malta Employers’ Association, the Malta Chamber of Commerce, Enterprise and Industry, as well as the Malta Chamber of SMEs have stated that the current situation regarding the magisterial inquiry on the Vitals Hospitals deal poses a serious risk to economic stability and Malta’s international reputation .

“The attacks on the judiciary strike at the heart of Malta’s democratic credentials and challenge basic principles of governance,” the organizations said as they demanded an urgent meeting with social partners.

“Malta, having already suffered through being grey-listed, cannot afford further reputational damage. Branding individuals, organizations, and institutions as ‘the establishment’ or enemies of the state does not contribute to the cause of justice,” they added.

“The dangerous nature of the situation is underlined by the potential for destructive alienation and tension within society, posing significant threats to social and economic well-being, and weakening the rule of law. In light of these challenges, there is an urgent need to promote public trust in the justice system and apply all legal remedies to ensure that the innocent are acquitted and the guilty are held accountable,” the organizations said.

The employer bodies stressed the importance of transparency and accountability in upholding the integrity of our institutions and the rule of law.

“It is imperative that the findings of the inquiry are not subject to speculative conjectures that undermine trust in judicial institutions. Any criminal proceedings warranted, should happen without any political interference or threats to the judiciary. The judicial process must be allowed to take its course. Any attempts to undermine the integrity of the inquiry only serve to erode public trust in the institutions and compromise the Government’s future standing,” they said.

In light of these pressing concerns, the employer bodies called for “prompt and responsible action to safeguard democracy and stability in Malta.”

“An urgent meeting of the Malta Council for Economic and Social Development (MCESD) is imperative to address these critical issues and provide the required reassurance that the national interest will not be undermined by partisan agendas,” they concluded.