Minister for Tourism Konrad Mizzi has insisted that he has never received any personal support from the Chetcuti family.

In a documentary on French television last Sunday, businessman Luke Chetcuti was heard saying: “Last week I was having dinner with Chris (Cardona), the Minister for the Economy. And he texted the Tourism Minister (Konrad Mizzi) saying: we must help the Chetcuti family. They have always helped us. The other minister replied saying the beach was quite small but he would see what he would do, if it could be enlarged.”

The beach being referred to is St George’s Bay, in St Julian’s, which is already partly occupied by another hotelier.

The allegation made in the documentary was that the Labour Party as a political movement had received help from the Chetcuti family, although this newspaper, after having asked on the validity of this claim, further queried the Tourism Minister on help received on a personal level.

A spokesperson for the Economy Ministry said that “as stated in the press release, the Ministry has always been adamant about its legislative, administrative and coordinating role to further and uphold a forward-looking Maltese economy that ensures stability and growth”.

“In his role as the Minister for the Economy, Minister Cardona has countless meetings with potential investors, established enterprises, and all relevant stakeholders. Due process is always followed in all cases.”

“Investigations by Commissioner for Standards in Public Life Dr George Hyzler on any of these claims, is welcomed.”