UHM Voice of the Workers CEO Josef Vella has called on Central Bank Governor Edward Scicluna to resign in the wake of the criminal charges filed against him in connection with the Vitals scandal.

“Even somebody as powerful and influential as Pope Benedict XV had opted to resign when he felt he could no longer lead – albeit due to ill health. Hence, in the case of Edward Scicluna – who leads an institution supposedly meant to ensure integrity and accountability in the financial sector – his decision to resign should be a no-brainer,” Vella told Voice of the Workers Weekly.  

The UHM CEO was reacting to the comments made earlier by the Central Bank Governor who defied calls to resign, when quizzed by journalists outside the lawcourts in Valletta. The Central Bank chief was due to appear for the first sitting in connection in this landmark case, which has also resulted in the the arraignment of  former Prime Minister Joseph Muscat and his former aide Keith Schembri, along with a host of Labour heavyweights such as Konrad Mizzi and Chris Fearne.  All of the accused are pleading not guilty.

Scicluna, served as finance minister between 2013 and 2020 when the Vitals hospitals deal was conceived, signed and consequently allocated hundreds of millions from taxpayers’ money. The former finance minister pleaded not guilty to charges of fraud, misappropriation and fraudulent gain.

An estimated €400 million in public funds have gone missing between 2016 and 2023 when the deal was rescinded by a court following a legal battle instituted by former Opposition leader Adrian Delia.

Despite, the serious nature of the charges Scicluna claimed that neither the government nor the Opposition, nor an NGO could ask for his resignation.

The UHM CEO pointed out that when an average worker is charged in court, they are immediately suspended from their workplace even before the disciplinary process against them has started.

“We don’t stay saying, no let’s wait for the courts to decide then if he’s found guilty he will be penalised,” he added. In contrast, he noted, the country has a Central Bank governor who is yet to resign even though he faces charges.

“One can say a lot about Chris Fearne’s resignation – but in truth when you read it, it is well-written and well-thought. But those only count for one person? We are talking about the Central Bank, which is part of the ECB. Can we, as an EU country, have a shadow like this over us?” he said.

“My fear is on whether there has been any political direction for there to be no resignation, or to say that it shouldn’t be done before 8 June. Does this reflect the level of integrity we require? I acknowledge that there are political tactics involved, but there comes a moment when the country’s interests must take precedence. Currently, the country’s interests are not being prioritized,” he added.