Prime Minister Robert Abela notes how a reputable Tribunal has debunked the €400 million lie
In a press conference on the decision of the International Chamber of Commerce’s International Arbitration, Prime Minister Robert Abela stressed that with skill, competence and knowledge of the subject, the Maltese Government succeeded in defending the interests of our country. This after Malta’s interests prevailed in the proceedings against Steward Healthcare.
Prime Minister Robert Abela explained how after the First Civil Court’s judgment two and a half years ago that annulled the hospitals’ concession, the Government immediately took possession of the hospitals, before reforming the initial judgment at the Maltese Court of Appeal stage.
The Prime Minister noted that the Tribuna completely refuted what was said by the Opposition, that Steward Healthcare had fled Malta with €400 million and the Government of Malta paid them for a service they did not provide. Dr Abela said that the Tribunal, with its technical experts, carried out an exercise in which it examined what the Government paid to Steward Healthcare and what it gave back in Steward Healthcare services. Here the Tribunal declared that the Maltese State received the fair value of what it paid.
Prime Minister Robert Abela therefore explained that the Tribunal concluded that the concessionaire provided more services than were paid for and when one also takes into account the costs that Steward Healthcare must reimburse to the Maltese State, the difference due to the company is just over four and a half million euros.
At the Auberge de Castille, the Prime Minister also pointed out that the Government was exposed for having cancelled the concession after the first decision of the Maltese Court, a request was made by Steward to be paid by the Government amounting to €148 million. That request was rejected by the Tribunal and therefore the Maltese Government will not pay any of this sum.
Dr Abela recalled that the highest caliber Tribunal with an international reputation today gave an authoritative decision on the Opposition which sold a falsehood that it kept repeating in the hope of being believed. He stressed that by contrast, the Government defended national interests and will continue to do so.
Minister for Justice and Construction Sector Reform Jonathan Attard gave a list of what this administration has done to continue to defend the national interest. The Minister stated that today’s decision is not only a legal outcome but also a certificate in favour of the good governance that the Maltese people enjoy. He recalled how in the middle of proceedings before an International Arbitration Court, the Opposition carried out a process to discredit the role of the State Attorney by taking the path of irresponsibility and opening a case for the State Attorney to seek people like the Prime Minister and Cabinet Ministers. Dr Attard joined the Prime Minister and thanked the legal team that worked with full commitment in favour of the interests of the Maltese State.
Photo: OPM
