'Shameful spectacle' GSD questions cost & contradictions in CM's judicial review of inquiry findings

The GSD has described the Chief Minister’s judicial claim as a “shameful spectacle," questioning how much the endeavour is costing the tax payer.

In a statement, the Opposition says Fabian Picardo should be paying for the ‘legal crusade’ with his own funds.

The GSD sets out what it describes as contradictions from the Government’s initial response to the inquiry findings and the Chief Minister’s now legal claim against them. 

The Opposition describes Sir Peter Openshaw’s defence as ‘telling and powerful’ in exposing such contradictions.

Fabian Picardo has called the report finding’s irrational, unfair and unlawful. The Opposition calls this a bitter epilogue to the GSLP contradictions.

The GSD highlights the inquiry cost 8 million pounds to the taxpayer and asks how much the latest legal challenge is costing, arguing the Chief Minister should be paying for it himself. It says Mr Picardo initially said he and the GSLPgovernment had been vindicated and exonerated but filed a judicial review a few weeks later.

The Leader of the Opposition says all ministers backed Fabian Picardo and have now welded themselves into an attack on Sir Peter Openshaw. He says this follows from attacks on the Principle Auditor, adding to in his words, a ‘shameful spectacle.’

Keith Azopardi highlights the Government first said it welcomed the findings of the inquiry. He claims the Government ‘pretended’ it was vindicated, stating it could “finally draw a line under this matter and move forward with confidence in the strength and integrity of our institutions.”

Mr Azopardi argues the Government said this but then went on to launch an all out attack on the RGP in parliament and now cannot accept the critical inquiry findings.

He calls these 'irrational appalling contradictions' and claims these demonstrate the GSLP has learned nothing from this, in his words, shameful episode.

The GSD leader says lasting change will only come when the GSLP is removed from office by the people of Gibraltar.