The Nationalist Party has called on Prime Minister Robert Abela to state whether Johann Buttigieg will remain Executive Chairperson of the Planning Authority, after Buttigieg said that those who object to him continuing in the role should take the matter up with the government that appointed him.

In a statement on Thursday, the PN said responsibility for Buttigieg's position ultimately rests with the Prime Minister and called on Abela to state what action, if any, he intends to take.

The party said that around 34 organisations have now declared that Buttigieg is not fit to continue leading the Planning Authority.

These include environmental and civil society organisations, youth and student organisations, and residents' associations, the PN said.

The party reiterated its position that responsibility for Buttigieg remaining at the helm of the authority rests with Abela.

"Robert Abela must tell us what he intends to do," the PN said.

The party questioned whether the Prime Minister would "continue taking decisions in his own interest" or begin taking decisions "in the national interest."

"Robert Abela, what are you going to do?" the statement concluded.