Richard Cachia Caruana, Malta's permanent representative to the EU, has denied that he ever referred to Franco Debono as 'bicca deputat'.

In a statement with reference to an article in Malta Today newspaper, Mr Cachia Caruana said: An article in this newspaper alleges that I have referred to Dr Franco Debono MP as a ‘bicca deputat’. This allegation is completely untrue. I have never referred to Dr Franco Debono or any other MP in this manner. I shall be taking legal steps on this article.”