On tonight’s Reporter, aired on TVM at 7.40pm, Labour leader Joseph Muscat will emphasise the importance of political transparency, including that within his own party.
Joseph Muscat said that according to information he has with regard to the financial state of the party, this has progressed well during the last five years. However, if he finds it necessary, he will insist on carrying out further audits.
He quoted former finance minister Lino Spiteri when saying that as party leader, he musty ensure the party has a sound financial basis, and pledged to start a discussion about transparency and party funding, both private and public.
He also mentioned State funding of political parties as another priority, saying that taxpayers should be consulted beforehand. “Democracy comes at a price, too. I think it is fair to pay a price to make sure there are no hidden hands at work behind the political parties...”
Asked if there will be any new faces on the national executive and administration, Muscat replied that it is the delegates’ decision. “We are not like the Nationalists where people in the administration are chosen by 80 people. We go in front of 900 people. It is not the leader who chooses them but the delegates. The leader never interferes.”