The press conference at St Elmo through which the government launched its financial package seeking to address the economic impact of the Covid-19 pandemic cost a total of €24,411.50, Prime Minister Robert Abela revealed.
In reply to a parliamentary question by PN MP Ryan Callus, Abela revealed that the biggest single expense was the stage and platforms, which cost €10,000.
A further €7,000 was spent on LED screens, €2,489 on lighting, €2,420 on the carpet, €1,495.50 for sound and €1,007 on chairs.
In his reply, Abela sought to justify the expense by informing the MP that the activity “launched an economic regeneration plan worth €900 million,” which he later described as “the biggest economic injection made by a government in the history of our country.”
The lion’s share of the package comprises a pledged €400 million investment in Malta’s industrial infrastructure, though this will take place over the next 8 years.
On Callus’ request, Abela also listed the contractors who were engage by the government, namely RVC Ltd, Nexos Lighting & Video, TEC Ltd, iCreate Ltd, Besteam Audio Ltd and iStage Ltd.
Abela did not specify whether the companies were selected following a competitive process or via a direct order.
