AN UGLY scrap, replete with epithets, threatening gestures and disparaging comments unfolded during Tuesday’s session of the House Watchdog Committee convened to discuss government plans to bring Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) to the island.
The very convening of the committee had been shrouded in controversy. DISY boss Nikos Anastassiades had asked for all official documents relating to the government decision to invite tenders for a floating LNG unit, but was told by Commerce Minister Antonis Michaelides that the proper channel would be for the House committee to request the papers in writing, or call for a meeting.
Anastassiades, who has called the government decision “the scandal of the century” is rumoured to have had experts working on the LNG affair all summer. Before Tuesday’s meeting, the DISY leader had prepared a 50-page paper with scores of questions for Michaelides.
Anastassiades’ onslaught was two-pronged. On the one hand, he wanted an explanation as to why the government dragged its feet in promoting a land-based de-liquefaction and storage facility, the accusation being that the delay would force taxpayers to continue paying for the far more expensive conventional fuel for years to come.
And on the other hand, he cast a shadow over the reported involvement of Tassos Papadopoulos & Associates in a bid by a foreign multinational for the LNG floating terminal. Anastassiades also claimed that so far officials had pocketed up to £20 million in kickbacks to facilitate the floating deal with the multinational.
Responding to the scandal allegations, Michaelides, the man in spot, quipped:
“If only one fool were interested in a floating unit, as the EAC chairman has said, then where on earth would you get the £20 million for the kickbacks?”
Tempers frayed more than once during the debate, with Anastassiades pointing his finger at Michaelides and accusing him of arrogance toward the gathered deputies.
The minister suggested that the “esteemed gentlemen are not knowledgeable of the law and procedures,” after asking the committee whether they endorsed Anastassiades’ claim of a scandal.
To which the DISY chief replied: “A minister who violates the laws of the land and the Constitution should not lecture us.”
At the start of the hearing, the committee chairman said this was the first time a minister refused to submit documents, warning Michaelides that he was liable to be censured by the committee.
“There’s always a first time for everything,” remarked Michaelides.
Anastassiades kept up the pressure, and with a sarcastic tone of voice asked Michaelides how he was qualified to speak on legal matters.
Michaelides replied that “perhaps I have studied law longer than you have.”
Not to be outdone, Anastassiades hit back:
“Well, that depends on how long it took you to graduate. Is it my fault if you were studying 10 years to get your degree?”
He went on to suggest that Michaelides had been made the fall guy for the policies of his predecessors and advised the minister not to try and cover up the mistakes of others.
“Do not be a victim, sir. Others are guilty, but they have not paid the price. It seems you are paying in gratitude for having been appointed minister.”
“I guess I was born a victim,” Michaelides replied mockingly.
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