Former Maltese Prime Minister Joseph Muscat, Deputy Premier Chris Fearne, former Finance Minister Edward Scicluna, and others have been charged in connection with a hospital privatization scandal that has shaken Malta.
Muscat and his ex-minister Konrad Mizzi face charges including accepting bribes, corruption, and money laundering. This marks the first time a former premier in Malta faces criminal charges. Muscat has denied the allegations, calling them “fantasies” and claiming he is a victim of a “political vendetta.”
Additionally, Fearne and Scicluna have been charged with fraud and misappropriation. The charges stem from a 2015 decision by Muscat’s government to privatize management of three public hospitals to Vitals Global Healthcare, a company lacking healthcare experience. Following a court challenge, the deal was annulled due to fraudulent behavior.
The investigation, ongoing since 2019, concluded last month with recommendations for charges. Muscat has vehemently proclaimed his innocence, stating he will disprove the accusations. Prime Minister Robert Abela has raised concerns about the timing and conduct of the investigation, drawing criticism from opposition leaders and civil society groups.
Muscat resigned in 2019 amid fallout from the murder of journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia, who had exposed corruption within Malta’s political and business circles. Her assassination raised international outcry, and while a public inquiry found no state involvement, it highlighted a “climate of impunity” for silencing dissent.