Malta to purchase consulate building in Sao Paolo

Whip Carmelo Abela, government spokesman • Video by Ray Attard

The Maltese government will be purchasing a property in Sao Paolo, Brazil, to function as a consulate. The property will be 80% funded by the European Union.

The announcement was made by Government whip Carmelo Abela who was appointed government spokesperson following the Cabinet reshuffle earlier this year. However, Abela will not replace head of government communications Kurt Farrugia. Abela said it was pre-mature to reveal how much he would be earning in his new role, but said that once the contract is finalised he would have no qualms in making it public.  

In his first press briefing, Abela said the government intended to hold a series of press briefings in order to update journalists on the work carried out by the Cabinet.

Summarising the Cabinet’s work over the past weeks, Abela said the government approved a memo by Foreign Affairs Minister George Vella to purchase a building in San Paolo.

“The EU will fund 80% of this property but at this point I don’t have the official figure of the cost of this building,” Abela said.

He explained that the Brazilian foreign ministry supplied the government with two property agencies who indicated eight potential properties.

The Cabinet has also approved the transfer of three lands – details of which will be provided in the coming days by Economy Minister Chris Cardona – and has approved parts of the national work policy in relation with the youth guarantee scheme.

Abela announced that the Cabinet of Ministers planned to hold a meeting in Gozo on 1 July.

The new government spokesperson refused to divulge details on the person that has occupied a flat in Xemxija. The ‘mystery’ man sparked claims that he could be former Libyan prime minister Ali Zeidan – a claim that was instantly denied by the government.

“I will not comment on the matter as the government, like all subsequent governments, does not comment on matters of national security. The government has however already reassured that no one who could pose a threat to the national security will find refuge in this government,” Abela said.