Former Labour MEP and ex-minister John Attard Montalto has publicly called for Prime Minister Robert Abela to remove Attorney General Victoria Buttigieg, claiming she is incompetent. But in a display of breathtaking double standards, Attard Montalto has never once called for the resignation of Magistrate Gabriella Vella — despite the fact that Vella concluded an inquiry without even having all the necessary documents.
Gabriella Vella
Is it possible that Attard Montalto “didn’t notice” what the Swiss justice authorities themselves described as a “fishing expedition”, referring to the Attorney General’s Office acting on Magistrate Vella’s flawed inquiry? Or is it that he deliberately ignores it because it doesn’t suit his narrative?
By selectively attacking the Attorney General while shielding Magistrate Vella from the same scrutiny, Attard Montalto confirms he is marching in lockstep with Fondazione Falcone and Repubblika — both of whom have also demanded the AG’s resignation but conveniently spared Vella.
This isn’t a slip in judgement; it’s a calculated choice. It reveals Attard Montalto’s alignment with partisan activists who weaponise the justice system to serve their own political vendettas, while turning a blind eye when their allies are involved.
If Attard Montalto truly cared about justice and integrity, he would apply the same standard to everyone. Instead, he has chosen to protect a magistrate whose inquiry has been internationally criticised, all while viciously targeting the Attorney General. That is not the behaviour of someone seeking reform — it is the behaviour of someone playing politics at the expense of the truth.
