Support for Prof. Arnold Cassola and in defence of transparency and accountability

Momentum stands in full support of Prof. Arnold Cassola, a politician who has dedicated his life to good governance, transparency, and the public interest in Malta. His lifelong service to democracy and integrity has led to the exposure of multiple cases of political wrongdoing, including the resignations of three ministers in the past five years, following his diligent investigations, and the uncovering of several national scandals, such as the Fortina case and the Marsa junction.

It is deeply disappointing and unacceptable that a senior government official and leading Labour delegate, Mr Jason Micallef, has chosen to respond to legitimate criticism with personal insults and ageist remarks directed at Prof. Cassola. Such behaviour is disrespectful, undignified, and unbecoming of anyone holding public office, let alone a person entrusted with representing national institutions.

Mark Camilleri Gambin, General Secretary of Momentum, said, “No one should be dismissed, ridiculed, or belittled simply because of their age. The normalisation of this kind of hateful and dangerous rhetoric is what the true champions of mental health and wellbeing have long been fighting against. Malta’s citizens, many of whom, like Prof. Cassola, have spent decades contributing to public life, deserve respect, gratitude, and fair engagement. While we may be accustomed to such insults from fake profiles and paid trolls, it is immensely more damaging when public officials resort to it. This undermines the principles of respect, equality, and decency that should guide our national discourse.”

“I would like to remind Jason Micallef that, after Metsola and Agius Saliba, Prof. Cassola was the third most voted politician, receiving over 22,000 votes on the last count in the last MEP elections, which is a true testament to the trust and support of thousands of Maltese citizens who recognise his consistent integrity and courage. Yet even if Prof. Cassola had gotten zero votes, it would never have given Jason the licence to call someone a social failure or even to highlight their age as an attempt to belittle their argument.”

Our ongoing demand for transparency

Regarding the Ta’ Qali gravel works, we reiterate that our Freedom of Information requests made on September 4 remain unanswered. The public deserves clarity on how this project was conceived, approved, and executed. We therefore once again call on the relevant authorities to provide, without delay:

1. All documents, reports, and communications explaining the necessity of the gravel works, including project proposals, internal memoranda, and any reports from or to the Environmental Resources Authority, as well as any Environmental Impact Assessments or similar environmental evaluations.
2. All documents relating to the contracting and financial aspects of the project, including:
   The public tender notice
   • The award documentation identifying the successful contractor or supplier
   • The final invoices or cost breakdowns detailing the supply, transport, and laying of gravel
3. The source of the gravel is whether it comes from a local quarry, is imported, or is otherwise.
4. The individual or entity that authorised the decision to proceed with the gravel works.

Public officials must lead by example. Resorting to mockery or insults when faced with criticism is not leadership, but it is a failure of respect. Malta’s democracy depends on open dialogue, transparency, and mutual respect among all citizens, regardless of age or political affiliation.

The executive of Momentum stands firmly with Prof. Arnold Cassola, whose ongoing dedication to truth and accountability continues to strengthen our nation’s democratic foundations.

Photo: Antoine Farrugia Lauri (TimesOfMalta)

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