Momentum applauds President Myriam Spiteri Debono for principled refusal of Binance donation
Momentum today expresses its full and unwavering support for Her Excellency, President Myriam Spiteri Debono, for her principled and courageous refusal of a donation from Binance. The President’s actions have defended the dignity of the Presidency, the privacy of Maltese patients, and the ethical integrity of the Malta Community Chest Fund Foundation.
The President’s refusal came after it was revealed that the cryptocurrency company was not offering a straightforward donation. Instead, Binance demanded unprecedented access to the sensitive personal and medical data of patients, including their specific illnesses. This request for data, which could be exploited for commercial or other nefarious purposes later in life, was made by a company whose former CEO has been convicted of money laundering in the United States. President Spiteri Debono rightly refused to allow Maltese citizens in a vulnerable state to be used as bargaining chips.
Momentum condemns the reaction of both the Prime Minister and the Leader of the Opposition on this matter. They have failed to publicly support the Head of State in her defence of citizen privacy. With their words, they are tacitly accepting a reality where foreign corporations with dubious reputations feel emboldened to treat our citizens’ private medical data as a commodity. They are actively undermining the President’s role by failing to shield her and the nation from such predatory behaviour.
This incident exposes the ethical minefield that the government has created for NGOs. Our civil society organisations are pressured to seek funding for essential services that the state fails to provide, yet they are expected to maintain the highest ethical standards. Through policies like the golden passport scheme, the government has actively promoted the idea of “reputation laundering,” whereby entities with questionable backgrounds can buy social acceptance through donations.
When NGOs reject such tainted funds, they are criticised for turning away desperately needed help. When they accept, their integrity is questioned. The President of Malta should never have been put in this position.
Momentum’s Carmel Asciak stated, “President Myriam Spiteri Debono has shown great integrity and courage with a single act. She stood up for the people. They, in contrast, are presiding over a system where the Head of State is forced to beg for charity to fund essential cancer treatments, putting her office at the mercy of companies like Binance. This is a disgrace.”
The President herself highlighted the “bogus” nature of the donation and the immense waste of time and effort for the MCCFF. This must be the final lesson. Essential public health services, especially cancer treatment, cannot be dependent on philanthropists or the transactional offers of corporations with questionable motives.
There is hope, you can help!
Join Momentum and build a better Malta. Volunteer, donate, or subscribe today!
