Dimech to stay on as Sliema councillor

Dimech was this week ‘expelled’ from the Nationalist Party, but the mayor has vowed to stay on as an independent councillor.

In a statement the PN said that Dimech was informed his position was “untenable” and a resignation was expected.

“Since Mr Dimech did not resign, the PN no longer considers Dimech a PN representative in the Sliema local council and does not form part of the party’s structures. The PN expects him to immediately resign as mayor and councilor.”

According to earlier MaltaToday reports, Dimech is expected to be charged over bribery after filing an admission of guilt to Police Inspector Angelo Gafà of the Economic Crimes Unit.

During interrogation, 33 year-old Dimech reportedly admitted he asked a council contractor for commissions.

The case had been reported by thePN after receiving complaints from third parties about allegations of bribery, specifically that Dimech had allegedly asked for a 5%-10% commission over a €1,200 monthly salary from Stephen Buhagiar, who was employed as the Sliema council’s contracts manager. The case goes back to September 2009.

Buhagiar – a father of four – claims he refused to pay the commission and claims to have been sacked by Dimech last March.

While the PN says Dimech promised Borg Olivier he would resign his post, the party said it had no option but to dismiss him. Although it is unclear whether the party’s executive committee even passed a motion to formally expel him as a party member. Even Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi is abroad, who as a member of the executive committee would have to vote on such a motion.