Malta’s Former Prime Minister and Officials to Face Court in Hospital Corruption Scandal Ahead of European Parliament Elections

Malta’s former prime minister, Joseph Muscat, and other top officials are set to appear in court to face charges in a hospital corruption scandal that has sent shockwaves through the Mediterranean island nation as it gears up for European Parliament elections.

The scandal dates back to 2015 when a deal was made to hand over the management of three hospitals to a private company, with the concessionaire changing in 2018. In February 2023, a court annulled the concession due to fraud, following a case brought by a former opposition leader. The Court of Appeal later confirmed the decision, citing evidence of collusion between parties involved in the concession.

The fallout from the scandal has had a significant impact on the governing Labour Party’s popularity, with support plummeting. Charges, including bribery, were filed against individuals connected to the hospital deal following a magisterial inquiry completed in April.

Former Prime Minister Joseph Muscat and Chris Fearne, who resigned as deputy prime minister after news of the charges broke, are among those facing criminal charges. Both have denied any wrongdoing. The first stage of the criminal proceedings is set to begin on Tuesday for a group of the accused, including Muscat.

The scandal has dominated the political landscape as the European Parliament election approaches. Prime Minister Robert Abela, also a member of the Labour Party, has raised questions about the timing of the inquiry’s outcome, suggesting it was strategically released during the election period.

The Labour Party has been the dominant force in Maltese politics since 2013, but recent events have seen their lead diminish. The Nationalist Party is hoping to gain ground in the upcoming election, with the scandal potentially shifting the political landscape.

With six seats in the European Parliament, Malta’s election outcome will be closely watched. The Nationalist Party is aiming to secure a third seat, challenging the Labour Party’s longstanding dominance. The election results will have far-reaching implications for the future of Maltese politics.