Prime Minister Robert Abela has denied suggestions that he failed to declare boats or properties or that he failed to pay tax.

The Nationalist Party has been suggesting that Abela failed to declare assets, including boats, in his annual declaration of assets.

Abela was asked about this by a LovinMalta journalist on Friday morning.

“I deny all allegations that I failed to pay tax. I paid in full. You should ask these questions to the person who gave you the question, who is a Lovin Malta shareholder and a PN strategist,” replied.

The Prime Minister was also asked whether he felt comfortable about the fact that Deputy Prime Minister gave his canvasser, Carmen Ciantar, a €13,000 monthly contract as CEO of the Foundation for Medical Services.

The contract has been flagged as irregular by the National Audit Office, which has recommended changes to the way in which such appointments are made.

Abela said Fearne has already stated that he took note of the NAO comments and will be reviewing the contract when it expires in 2024.

PM on assets and Carmen Ciantar.mp4 from The Malta Independent on Vimeo.

“Before these reports came out, I had already begun a review process for CEO contracts, including one who will be named today and in whose case the salary has been decreased when compared to what his predecessor earned. This has to be done on a case-by-case basis and in consideration of their abilities.”

Pressed on the matter, Abela said Ciantar’s contract predated his time as Prime Minister. “I did not go into detail but saw what the NAO said and I have the Deputy Prime Minister’s word that the contract will be reviewed once it expires.”

 

 Video: Miguela Xuereb/Newsbook