The Nationalist Party today raised serious questions about the rent contract for a Portomaso apartment published by Economy Minister Chris Cardona last night.

The Malta Independent columnist and blogger Daphne Caruana Galizia on Sunday alleged that Dr Cardona is living rent-free in the Portomaso apartment owned by businessman Silvan Fenech of the Tumas group. 

She also said Dr Cardona frequents a Valletta bar during working hours that is full of shady characters.

Addressing a press conference, PN deputy leader Beppe Fenech Adami said the terms of the contract published by Dr Cardona are peculiar indeed.

Dr Fenech Adami said one clause in particular sticks out, namely the clause stating that the rent only has to be paid five days before the end of the contract in October 2015.

Normally rent is paid a month in advance or at most a month in arrears, Dr Fenech Adami said, saying he has never come across such a clause during his professional life as a lawyer.

He questioned how the reserved car space in the Portomaso car park is not indicated, and also questioned the lack of a deposit paid by Dr Cardona for the rent.

Dr Fenech Adami said the contract published by Dr Cardona has further muddied the waters instead of clarifying matters.

He asked why Dr Cardona did not table the contract in Parliament yesterday when the issue was raised, instead publishing it in a press release four hours later.

He urged the Economy Minister to call a press conference in order to answer the serious questions raised.

Shadow Minister for the Economy Claudio Grech said the Economy Minister is in constant contact with businessmen, and must act impartially.

He said if doubts are raised about such “special relationships,” its casts doubts on the ministry as a whole. 

In reply, Dr Cardona said that Dr Fenech Adami repeated allegations made by Mrs Caruana Galizia, which were already denied yesterday, and tried to sow new doubts. The minister said that the publication of the contract throws all speculation out the window.

The incident formalised the association there is between the PN and Daphne Caruana Galizia, the minister said.

Dr Cardona said he is focused on his ministerial work which has brought about good results for Malta.

In yet another reply, the PN said that Dr Cardona chose not to answer any questions raised during the press conference.

It called on prime Minister Joseph Muscat to speak up about the issue, and asked whether he will defend the minister or take action against him.