Story By: Alex Cope, Sub Editor: Joseph Golder, Agency: Central European News

Malta’s Prime Minister has been accused of openly flaunting the country’s coronavirus regulations after he was snapped seemingly sharing a bowl of chips with a cabinet minister.

Prime Minister Robert Abela, 42, was snapped at a restaurant table with his wife Lydia and the Minister for Gozo Clint Camilleri, 32, and his partner at Oleander Restaurant in the town of Xaghra on the island of Gozo on Sunday.

Restaurants in Malta have begun to reopen as the country eases its coronavirus regulations, however, the conditions for the reopening say food should not be shared.

In the photo, a bowl of chips can be seen in between the couples, leading to criticism of the politicians for seemingly openly flouting the regulations.

The issue was raised by opposition MP Herman Schiavone in Malta’s parliament who asked Camilleri if he had set a bad example.

The Minister for Gozo insisted there were more bowls of chips on the table than the one in the photo and said no regulations had been breached.

He joked that he had no problems in saying who had taking chips, with his daughter only having taken one.

He added: “We wanted to convey a message to the public about the reopening of restaurants.

“We did not breach regulations. It seems that the Opposition’s only intent is for the economic slowdown to persist for as long as possible.”

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