Joseph Muscat did not breach ethics over Italy holiday - Standards Commissioner

Former prime minister Joseph Muscat did not breach ethics when he travelled to Italy with his family on a trip funded by a third party in August 2020.  Although he had stepped down as prime minister eight months before, he was still serving as MP at the time.  In a statement on Tuesday, the Office of Standards Commissioner George Hyzler said it found the holiday had taken place on invitation from Diane Izzo, a Muscat family friend, who organised a party at the venue for her relatives and close friends, including the former prime minister and his family. General election candidate and former AD leader Arnold Cassola had alleged in a complaint that the holiday had been funded by Pietro Catalfamo, the owner of a company on Malta’s Stock Exchange. Catalfamo was also the owner of the Castello di Collalto Sabino, where Muscat and his family spent their holiday. While investigating the claim, Hyzler found that Izzo had negotiated an arrangement with Catalfamo in which she paid for the catering and was given free accommodation at the castle for her guests. "The code of ethics for members of parliament does not permit MPs to accept gifts from persons or entities with an interest in...