Prime Minister Joseph Muscat will continue to have a direct control over the Lands Authority, as he had at the time of the Cafe Premier and Gaffarena scandals, in spite of what has been described as a reform in the sector, the Nationalist Party said.

Addressing a press conference, spokesman Ryan Callus said Joseph Muscat’s stubbornness to remain in control “is a confirmation of the corrupt mentality” of this government.

Mr Callus said the government will still retain the right to nominate MPs on the board of governors, which meant that there will continue to be political interference. Joseph Muscat has not learnt anything from the reports drawn up by the Auditor General on the Cafe Premier and Gaffarena deals, he said.

The government will also continue to nominate the lawyer, architect and auditor on the board of governors, when there had been proposals made by entities such as the Chamber of Architects, Chamber of Advocates and Institute of Accountants for more independent nominations.

Mr Callus went on to mention a list of proposals made by the Opposition which were incorporated in the law.