‘The EU treaty protects me from these kind of pressures,’ Scicluna says when asked if he will resign

Central Bank Governor Edward Scicluna has remained defiant in the face of calls for his resignation, despite the court decree in the hospitals case that was delivered on Wednesday

A court on Wednesday found enough prima facie evidence for Scicluna, and others to be indicted. Ronald Mizzi, who is also charged, resigned from his position as Permanent Secretary within the Economy Ministry soon after the court decree was issued.

This newsroom asked Scicluna whether he will be stepping down from his post as Central Bank Governor or staying on following the decree.

“I have already answered that question outside the law courts some time ago. The EU Treaty is protecting me as a Eurosystem Governor from these very kind of pressures when ever they arise,” he responded.

Scicluna has faced calls for his resignation since it had become known that he was to be charged in connection to the hospitals deal, but has so far not done so. Just prior to the first sitting in his court case last May, Scicluna had said “With regard to the resignation of a governor there is a great difference between a governor and a minister. A minister is the prerogative of the Prime Minister. In the case of a governor of a Central Bank in the Eurosystem of Europe, this is governed by a European treaty and by the statute of the European Central Bank. They have to decide, to take a position, there are strict conditions so that there is no interference from the government, opposition or NGO regarding a resignation,” he had said.

But his response on Thursday can also be seen as being in defiance of a statement made by Prime Minister Robert Abela on Wednesday. The Prime Minister had strongly indicated, following Wednesday’s court decision, that Scicluna should step down.

While saying that Scicluna has not been found guilty of anything and that the presumption of innocence still stands, Abela said that the stage that one finds themselves in today means that the process will take long.

“The process could take months or years. The question that arises is whether the Central Bank can be led by a governor who, despite the presumption of innocence, I also believe that the correct decision that must be transported to the post of Central Bank Governor is the example that was set by the former Deputy Prime Minister (Chris Fearne) and the former Permanent Secretary (Ronald Mizzi). I believe good sense will prevail as will the national interest and above all the interest of a particular sector that until now is overseen by Professor Scicluna.”

Chris Fearne stepped down from the role of Deputy Prime Minister after it became known that he was to be charged in court. Mizzi resigned yesterday, soon after the magistrate read out his decree.