In politics, it is often the case that those who appear to stand on the highest moral ground can sometimes be the most vulnerable to accusations of hypocrisy. This is particularly true when individuals or groups who profess to be morally superior fall under scrutiny themselves. A prime example of this phenomenon is the case of Bernard Grech, leader of the Nationalist Party, who, despite his frequent proclamations of virtuous leadership, is himself shadowed by a significant tax issue.

Grech was at one point embroiled in a serious case of unpaid tax. It was only when Grech was contesting for the position of party leader, essentially fighting to replace Adrian Delia, that he took the necessary steps to pay €60,000 in taxes owed. This raises the question whether he paid his dues out of a genuine desire to do right by the law, or rather out of a fear that his tax scandal would undermine his ambition. Another question he refuses to answer is where he found the funds to suddenly pay off his long-standing dues.

Grech was hand picked by the Nationalist establishment to replace Delia. Some reports indicate that Grech was afraid to come clean to the party, choosing instead to conceal his tax issues. Perhaps his sole ambition was to ascend to the leadership of the PN, no matter the cost. He might have feared that the truth about his tax issues would scupper his chances of earning the trust of the establishment. His silence on the matter raises legitimate concerns over his integrity and credibility.

It was only when the tax scandal became a known fact that Grech had no choice but to address it. According to insiders, the Nationalist Party’s leadership was initially caught off guard by the revelation, and Grech was advised to pay the taxes owed immediately, in order to quash the scandal before it gained further traction.

Grech, or anyone associated with him, cannot really speak about clean politics with this track record. It is hard to call for transparency and ethical governance when your own actions do not align with those principles. This is where the Labour Party, for all its imperfections, has a point. While it is far from perfect, those who criticise it with self-righteous indignation must first address their own skeletons in the closet.

Bernard Grech’s tax wrongdoings serve as a reminder that no one is truly above reproach, no matter how loudly they decry the failings of others. And when it comes to moral high ground, those who seek to claim it should have the moral authority to do so. Perhaps, the Nationalist Party would do well to reflect on that.