The PN on Sunday said that the Labour government continues to promote a culture of abuse, nepotism and institutional fraud, after reports of alleged ties between Gozo Minister Clint Camilleri and architect Godwin Agius, over an alleged €722,000 direct order in connection with a Nadur road-building project.

Reports by The Shift News on Sunday allege that Minister Camilleri and “his architect friend” Godwin Agius who was reportedly paid €721,511 in a direct order for his services as the Gozo Ministry’s architect overseeing a multi-million-euro road project in Nadur, Gozo.

Last December, lawyer Jason Azzopardi also filed a request for a magisterial inquiry to be launched into the same project carried out by the Gozo Ministry, which he said ended up costing millions more over budget.

In his application, Azzopardi singled out Minister Clint Camilleri, permanent secretary for the Gozo Ministry John Borg, and architects Godwin Agius, and Andrew Ellul.

The request asked that the men be investigated for possible crimes, indicating some crimes allegedly committed by all, and others by one or more of the men.

Azzopardi asked for an investigation into possible offenses, including bribery, criminal association, false declarations, fraud, and money laundering.

In his application, Azzopardi had also said that he received information protected by professional secrecy that a €700,000 bribe was paid on these public works "under the guise of consultancy services".

The Shift reported that the project cost some €10 million more than the initial estimate in the tender, and Agius verified most of the works.

In a statement, PN MPs Karol Aquilina and Alex Borg said that the PN were concerned about the alleged close ties between Camilleri and “an architect who appears to have been given preferential treatment in public contracts and controversial permits.”

It said that this now included the involvement of the same architect in the Nadur road case, for which a magisterial inquiry is being requested.

“This is further evidence of how, instead of prioritising the common good, the Labour government continues to promote a culture of abuse, nepotism, and institutional fraud,” the PN said.

Reports also said that Camilleri is registered as residing at Agius’ same office address.

“It is scandalous that Minister Camilleri himself is registered as residing and entitled to vote at the office address of the same architect,” the PN said.

It added that this raises more serious questions regarding the obvious conflict of interest that Camilleri has.

“It is clear to all that there are far deeper ties between Camilleri and his architect friend, despite what Camilleri is attempting to portray to the public,” the PN said.

It continued that it is “shameful” that, as such reports are published, Prime Minister Robert Abela and Justice Minister Jonathan Attard are attempting to change the law to “kill off” magisterial inquiries, including the inquiry already requested regarding this case.

“The PN expects Abela and Attard to explain why they are afraid of justice and the truth. At the same time, Minister Camilleri must reveal what he is hiding from the Maltese and Gozitan people,” the PN said.

It said that there is the need for honest and clean politics, where institutions work for the people and not to protect corrupt politicians by covering up and supporting them.

“The first step in this direction should be for Camilleri to be honest with the Maltese and Gozitan people and stop obstructing the holding of a magisterial inquiry,” the PN said.

The PN said it will fight for accountability, justice, and truth, as the public deserves a government that works for them and not just for a select few.