PN Demands Explanation for Schembri Asset Thaw
PN’s Puzzling Pursuit: Why Schembri’s Asset Freeze Lapsed
Imagine this: you’re walking down Republic Street, Malta’s bustling commercial hub, and you notice a ‘For Sale’ sign outside a prime property. You’ve heard whispers that the owner’s had some trouble, but you’re surprised to see the property’s back on the market. That’s the scene playing out in Malta’s political scene, with the Nationalist Party (PN) questioning why the asset freeze on former Chief of Staff Keith Schembri’s properties was allowed to lapse.
From Frozen to Thawed: A Timeline
In 2020, as part of the investigation into the ‘Egrant’ allegations, the Maltese courts froze Schembri’s assets, including properties in Malta and Gozo. Fast forward to early 2023, and the PN is scratching its head, wondering why these assets were unfrozen. The party has demanded an explanation from the Attorney General, questioning why the freeze order wasn’t renewed.
So, what happened in between? Well, the ‘Egrant’ case hit a snag. The magisterial inquiry was closed without charges being filed against Schembri or any other individuals. The PN argues that while the case may be closed, the investigation is far from over, and the assets should remain frozen.
PN’s Persistent Pursuit
The PN has been vocal about this issue, with party leader Bernard Grech stating, “The PN will not rest until we get to the bottom of this.” They’ve raised concerns about potential conflicts of interest, with Schembri’s properties being rented out to government entities while he was still a government official.
But the Labour Party (PL) has hit back, with Deputy Prime Minister Chris Fearne accusing the PN of playing politics with serious issues. He argues that the PN is trying to score political points rather than focusing on the real issues affecting Maltese citizens.
So, where does this leave us? The PN is demanding answers, but the PL is digging in its heels. The ball is now in the Attorney General’s court, with the PN hoping for a satisfactory explanation and the PL hoping for the issue to fade away.
