The Minister for Tourism Clayton Bartolo is frequently in the news, alas always for the wrong reasons. Last week he, together with his buddy Clint Camilleri, made headlines again because of his secretary, now wife, Amanda Muscat.

The two ministers made an agreement to deploy her as policy consultant within the Ministry for Gozo, bypassing rigorous Cabinet rules. The ministers were found by the Standards Commissioner, to have abused their power when they employed Bartolo's then girlfriend on a €70,000 job. In his report the Commissioner high-lighted the fact that Muscat was not qualified for the appointment.

The prime minister is, as always, sitting on the hedge. First he claimed that Amanda Muscat did nothing wrong and worked for the government and later he bragged that it was he who terminated her employment. He told us that he will wait for the outcome of the investigation by the Standards in Public Life Committee knowing that the committee's decisions in the past have favoured the government.

Following these findings, Bartolo issued an apology, which Prime Minister Robert Abela deemed sufficient. "I am sorry if I fell short in that way. Asking for my resignation is just a political spin," Bartolo said. However, both the Malta Chamber of Commerce and the Malta Employers Association condemned the government's handling of the issue. The MEA called it a "slap in the face to governance," while the Malta Chamber expressed concern over a "disturbing trend of disregard for standards."

This is not the first time that Clayton Bartolo apologised publicly. He was under the spotlight last year when he turned up for a football match between the women's teams of Manchester United and Birkirkara wearing a jacket with the English team's emblem. "I am sorry if I offended anyone, it was not my intention" he said when confronted by criticism over a published photograph of him wearing the Red Devils jacket.

Bartolo is a big Manchester United supporter. The Malta Tourism Authority signed a multi-million euro sponsorship of the Premier League club. Repeatedly he insisted, even in Parliament, not to publish the details of the deal, first signed by corrupt minister Konrad Mizzi. Bartolo went to Manchester with a delegation of 11 people to sign the renewal of the three-year contract and watch United's first game of the season at Old Trafford.

Bartolo's approach to taxpayer money has often raised eyebrows, particularly in his support for Film Commissioner Johann Grech. Grech's annual salary tripled to €150,000 last year, alongside controversies around millions spent on events like the Golden Bee Awards. The most recent Golden Bee Awards, for example, reportedly cost €3.9 million, with funds directed toward flying in and hosting film industry personalities in five-star accommodations. Additionally, Grech allocated €47 million in incentives and tax refunds to the producers of Gladiator 2, a move Bartolo justified as an 'investment' while again refusing to release a supporting financial study.

But the Manoel Island setup was quite beneficial for minister Bartolo. Conveniently his wedding coincided with the weekend when the biggest event of the year organised by the tourism ministry and paid by taxpayers was being held. The wedding to his former secretary Amanda Muscat drew the country's interest. No expense was spared during the ceremony. It was reported in the local media that the wedding venue was already adorned with stages, sound and lights and props prepared for the Golden Bee Awards ceremony. The minister and his wife claimed that all expenses were paid privately. Despite their promise to release receipts, they later refused, citing privacy concerns.

Bartolo has also faced criticism for withholding information on other matters, notably the Comino deckchair concession contracts. For years, he cited "commercial secrets" to withhold these contracts, which have been profitable for government-connected individuals exploiting protected lands. The Information and Data Protection Commissioner recently ordered the Malta Tourism Authority to disclose the encroachment contracts, putting further pressure on Bartolo's administration.

These controversies continue to raise questions about Clayton Bartolo's leadership and commitment to transparency. Time will tell if he will be held accountable or if his pattern of avoiding scrutiny will persist.

Joe Azzopardi

Joe Azzopardi previously held official positions in the ministries of environment, justice and home affairs, and foreign affairs.