Johann Buttigieg must be fired

Following today’s revelations concerning Johann Buttigieg, yet again we are confronted with serious questions about the conduct of senior government officials and their relationships with private business interests.

Government Authority CEOs and senior public officials are entrusted with acting in the public interest, independently and with integrity. They should never be seen colluding with, facilitating or acting as subordinates to the businesses and individuals they are supposed to regulate and hold accountable.

The case of Johann Buttigieg is yet another example of why Malta urgently needs a stronger culture of good governance and accountability.

Momentum supports the calls by civil society organisations for Johann Buttigieg to be fired.

Dr Matthew Agius, executive member of Momentum, said “The government cannot continue to look the other way whenever serious questions arise about the conduct of its senior officials. Holding public office is a position of trust, and that trust must come with responsibility and consequences.”

“If the government is serious about restoring public confidence in our institutions, it must act. Johann Buttigieg should be removed from his position. Robert Abela is showing utmost didain for the Maltese people by refusing to remove Buttigieg.”

Malta needs public officials who serve the public interest, not individuals or businesses with whom they have developed close relationships.

Momentum reiterates its call for stronger rules on conflicts of interest, revolving-door practices and the conduct of senior public officials, together with genuinely independent oversight of government appointments.

Public office is not a privilege to be enjoyed without accountability. It is a responsibility to the people.

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