Planning Authority Conceals Consultants, Meetings and Payments on Bills 143 and 144

Momentum Chairperson Arnold Cassola has denounced the Planning Authority’s (PA) refusal to answer his Freedom of Information request, describing it as “nothing short of an insult to the Maltese people.”

He said that instead of providing full and transparent answers, the PA chose to dodge questions, hide information and protect private interests over the public good.

Professor Cassola explained that he specifically asked who the PA met with when drafting Bills 143 and 144, which overhaul planning legislation and the appeals process. He asked for the date, time, duration and minutes of meetings with stakeholders—including developers and their representatives who have a direct pecuniary interest in shaping Malta’s laws. “The PA refused to reveal the identity of the persons consulted. What is being hidden? Were these meetings just cosy insider sessions to give developers an advantage and allow them to speculate?” Cassola asked.

He also pointed out that the PA refused to disclose the identity of consultants and advisors who contributed to these bills, claiming that no terms of reference existed for their engagement. “Are consultants really being paid taxpayers’ money to do whatever they want, whenever they want?” he remarked.

Most scandalous of all, Professor Cassola said, was the refusal to reveal the remuneration paid from public funds. “Taxpayers are footing the bill for unnamed advisors to draft laws that will damage the environment, reward lawbreakers and penalise law-abiding citizens. There is absolutely no justification for this secrecy.”

“This is a textbook case of concealment, collusion and contempt for transparency. The Maltese public deserves to know who is influencing laws that will affect our country for generations,” Professor Cassola concluded.

There is hope, you can help!

Join Momentum and build a better Malta. Volunteer, donate, or subscribe today!