On Wednesday 5 April, the chair of the European Parliament committee of investigation into the Panama Papers scandal, Germany's Werner Langen (EPP), expressed indignation at comments made shortly earlier in the Maltese press by a Maltese government spokesperson.
A few weeks ago, during a mission of the committee of investigation to Valletta at the end of February, Langen attempted to contact Keith Schembri, head of cabinet of the Maltese Prime Minister, who is alleged to have bought offshore companies through the Panamanian firm Mossack Fonseca.
According to the statement published by Langen, he found out about Schembri's refusal to meet the MEPs from a messenger in the streets of Valletta. In his letter, Schembri accused the parliamentary committee of insincerity and said he felt that his involvement in its work would damage his country. On 29 March, Langen therefore decided, with the support of the committee investigation, to write to the Maltese Prime Minister to ask him to intervene in his favour.
“I have still not heard from the Maltese government, but I read today in the Malta Independent that the government spokesperson is accusing me of overstepping my institutional role to join a party campaign (the Nationalist Party, a member of the EPP; Ed) against the government”, Langen explained.
“I am astonished to read such comments from officials speaking on behalf of the government that holds the Presidency of the Council of the EU”, he said. “I feel it is in the interests of all citizens if the member states and European institutions stick together to fight money laundering and tax evasion and I cannot see how these comments help”, he added.
He reiterated that all political groups wish to hear from Schembri and urged the Maltese government to cooperate with the committee of investigation, rather than question its mandate. The Presidency is invited to attend a hearing on 30 May. (Original version in French by Élodie Lamer)