Gozo Minister Anton Refalo’s position is untenable after the police launched an investigation into claims that workers who fall under his responsibility have carried out works in private properties, PN Deputy Leader Beppe Fenech Adami said today.
Addressing a press conference this afternoon, Dr Fenech Adami referred to a number of media reports, which have so far uncovered nine similar cases. Prime Minister Joseph Muscat, he said, should remove him immediately.
Dr Fenech Adami said the Dr Refalo, the person being investigated, is in control of the evidence. “This in itself could be detrimental to the police investigation.” People expect Joseph Muscat to take a decision, he said.
He referred to the most recent alleged case of works-for-votes, reported in PN newspaper In-Nazzjon this morning. The report alleged that Gozo Ministry workers and materials were used for private works in a residence belonging to one of Anton Refalo’s canvassers. “Nine cases have been revealed so far but the government has remained silent on these abuses.”
Works have been carried out in Marsalforn, Ghasri, Kercem, Xaghra, Rabat, San Lawrenz and Nadur.
Dr Fenech Adami called on the police to intensity its investigations and appealed to anyone with information to make use of the Whistleblower Act and come forward.
Asked to say if Dr Refalo was being personally investigated, the PN Deputy Leader said the police were reportedly probing allegations of abuse involving ministry workers and materials. Dr Refalo was ultimately responsible for everything that happened within the ministry. The government, he said, has not denied these reports. This meant that the ministry was under investigation and that Anton Refalo should resign.
Asked if he condemned the actions of former PN MP Giovanna Debono, Dr Fenech Adami said the former Gozo Minister is not under investigation, her husband is. The party had taken swift action and Mrs Debono was no longer part of the PN or its parliamentary group. Dr Fenech Adami said he condemned every form of abuse.
In the meantime, Maltatoday has reported that Anton Refalo’s wife, Mikelina, has been transferred from the Customer Care department within the Gozo Ministry to the Gozo General Hospital.
Minister denies being investigated
In reply, Gozo Minister Anton Refalo denied that he was being investigated. The allegations being made by the PN, he said, are fictitious. “The police have been given access to all files pertaining to the Gozo Ministry.”
Dr Refalo said this is Beppe Fenech Adami’s second mistake in the space of three days. Dr Fenech Adami has accused him of constructing an illegal passageway but it has now resulted that the works were commissioned by the Nadur Local Council when PN Secretary General Chris Said was mayor. The Ministry published the invoice, addressed to the Nadur Local Council. The first works were carried out on 2002 and subsequent works were being carried out by Dr Said and his brother Charles in the following years.
“Beppe Fenech Adami can put his mind at rest in knowing that this government has no difficulty in allowing the police to investigate whatever it wants and allegations of illegal works carried out at any date.” The Ministry noted that the only proof so far led to the arraignment of Giovanna Debono’s husband.
Regarding the alleged works carried out by Ministry workers as reported in the PN media today, Dr Refalo said government workers had simply damaged a private wall during roadworks and had duly carried out the repairs. Signed declarations by the foreman and the resident in question were sent with the press release. “These allegations are nothing but another attempt to cover up for the wrongdoings of the previous administration.”
Dr Refalo also insisted that Dr Fenech Adami did not say anything about what the whistleblower told PN Leader Simon Busuttil about the case two years ago.
PN reaction
In reaction, the PN said Dr Refalo’s press release was full of lies and confirmed that his position is no longer tenable.
“We cannot have a situation where a Minister who is under investigation issues press releases in a desperate attempt at defending his actions. Worse still, it is scandalous how a Minister under investigation publishes declarations by private individuals to cover up for his actions.”
The PN said it was also shameful how the PL is using taxpayer money – the Department of Information – to issue statements filled with insults and twisted facts. “Joseph Muscat is letting Anton Refalo do as he pleases,” the PN said.