Malta’s Deputy Prime Minister Chris Fearne resigns amid hospital privatization scandal
In a significant political development in Malta, Deputy Prime Minister Chris Fearne has resigned and retracted his EU Commission nomination following charges related to a major hospital privatization scandal. This article delves into the details of Fearne’s resignation, the allegations against him, and the potential implications for Maltese politics.
Chris Fearne, serving as Malta’s Deputy Prime Minister and a former Health Minister, resigned on Friday after being implicated in criminal charges. These charges arise from his involvement in the privatization of three state-owned hospitals to Vitals Global Healthcare, a deal marred by accusations of misappropriation and fraud.
The charges against Fearne were disclosed when his name appeared on a chargesheet related to the privatization deal, a project initiated during his tenure as Health Minister. In a transparent move, Fearne sent a letter to Prime Minister Robert Abela, announcing his resignation and withdrawal from the EU Commission nomination. He emphasized his innocence and expressed confidence that the legal proceedings would exonerate him.
Prime Minister Robert Abela supports Chris Fearne
Despite the charges, Fearne continues to receive support from Prime Minister Robert Abela, who praised his integrity and leadership skills. Abela’s public support suggests a strong belief in Fearne’s contributions to the country, especially during challenging times, and highlights his international recognition.
The situation has sparked controversy and debate within Malta. Opposition leader Bernard Grech criticized the Prime Minister’s support for Fearne, arguing that it undermines the credibility of Maltese institutions. Meanwhile, MEP David Casa supported Fearne’s decision to resign, calling it a selfless act that prioritizes the country’s welfare. Casa also urged other officials implicated in similar scandals to resign.
The scandal traces back to a 2015 agreement under former Prime Minister Joseph Muscat’s government, which handed over the management of three government hospitals to Vitals Global Healthcare. This deal was later annulled by a court in 2023, declaring it fraudulent and not in the national interest. The case continues to have significant repercussions on the political landscape of Malta, raising serious questions about governance and accountability.
Chris Fearne’s resignation marks a critical juncture in Malta’s political narrative, reflecting ongoing challenges in governance and public trust. As the legal proceedings unfold, the focus will remain on how Malta addresses these systemic issues and strives to restore confidence in its political institutions.
