PM urges caution on Alfred Mifsud, says Central Bank is an autonomous institution

The Prime Minister has avoided saying whether Central Bank of Malta deputy governor Alfred Mifsud should step aside as government probes corruption allegations against him. Joseph Muscat yesterday urged caution, insisting the Central Bank was an autonomous institution. Mr Mifsud was appointed deputy governor of the bank in May last year and has been touted as the next governor. But the Prime Minister yesterday insisted that to date no official nomination had been made for the post. “Given the sensitivity of the post one expects prudence, as actions and statements by politicians should not put in doubt the basic principles of the Central Bank Act, which provide for the independence of the institutions and holders of office therein,” he said. Mr Mifsud’s former partner has alleged he received bribes when chairman of Mid-Med Bank 20 years ago. He has denied all wrongdoing and instituted legal action. Finance Minister Edward Scicluna was the first senior government official to confirm Mr Mifsud’s name “was one among others considered by the government” for the governorship. Prof. Scicluna yesterday said he held meetings with the Prime Minister and the European Central Bank on the...