Updated | Fenech Adami demands resignation, minister says he is not under investigation

Nationalist deputy leader for party affairs Beppe Fenech Adami has accused Prime Minister Joseph Muscat of lying in defence of Gozo minister Anton Refalo, whom the Opposition claims is aware of publicly-funded construction works for constituents.

The PN wants Refalo to be dismissed as minister, saying that in the face of a potential police investigation Refalo should be kept away from any evidence that could be tampered.

The PN media has reported on ten instances in which works were carried out by the Gozo ministry’s construction and maintenance unit, allegedly for private residences and constituents.

The allegations follow similar claims made of former Gozo minister Giovanna Debono’s husband Anthony Debono, formerly the head of the CMU, who was charged with misappropriation and of creating a system of false invoicing for the works.

“So far Refalo has been silent in the face of these accusations. What does this silence mean? I want the Commissioner of Police to reassure people that an investigation into the alleged cases of abuse is indeed taking place,” Fenech Adami said.

“Refalo’s position is no longer tenable and Muscat must dismiss him instantly.”

The alleged cases of works reported in the PN media are: works in a Marsalforn restaurant; private fields in Ghasri; residences in Xaghra’s Triq il-Horg Kercem and Wied tal-Ghezien; work in the property of a Refalo canvasser in Ghajnsielem; work in a Tas-Sanap farmhouse; two garages in Rabat; and a number of garages at Ta’ Dbiegi in San Lawrenz.

In a reaction, Gozo minister Anton Refalo said he was not under police investigation. "I deny any allegation made by Beppe Fenech Adami. His allegations have already been denied, and contradicted by Chris Said himself."

Labour reaction

In a reaction, the Labour Party accused the Opposition of “lying”, since the owners of one of the properties listed have denied having had works done gratis for them.

The PL said the PN’s amended statement “confirms the panic with which the PN has found itself in defending the scandalous actions of the former administration.”

The PL added that it was claiming abuse on works which were carried out privately 16 years ago. “This fabrication had to be corrected by the Opposition in its newspapers… the alleged private works were indeed carried out by the Nadur local council at the time that MP Chris Said was its mayor.”