Frank Portelli will only publish declaration of assets ‘if law says so’

PN leadership hopeful Frank Portelli has refused to entertain the question of publishing a declaration of assets, insisting that he will only do so if the law obliges him to.

“I follow the law,” Portelli replied curtly, as he evaded the question on whether he is ready to publish a declaration of the assets he owns.

There is nothing in the law that obliges candidates of a party leadership contest to publish their financial holdings.

Portelli, director at St Philip’s Hospital, has thrown in his nomination – along with Said, Adrian Delia and Alex Perici Calascione – as he bids to become leader of the opposition.

Contacted by MaltaToday, Perici Calascione said that he found “absolutely no problem” in declaring his assets, and would do so in the coming days.

On his part, Delia – a lawyer by profession and president of the Birkirkara football club – stated that he would publish a full declaration of assets if, and when, he’s elected leader, once he divests himself of all shares he owns.

“I have not been elected to a leadership position yet and was not in public office to date,” Delia told MaltaToday.

“In preparation of my possible election, I am working on a divestiture of my professional and commercial interests that will come into effect as soon as, and if, I am elected. If that occurs, I shall make the appropriate declaration at once and shall disclose the terms of sale.”

Delia went on to add that neither he, nor his wife, owned or ever owned companies, structures or accounts overseas, whether directly or indirectly.

On Saturday, Said – an MP, a former minister and former PN secretary general – became the first candidate to voluntarily publish a declaration of his and his immediate family’s assets, declaring that “all cards are on the table for me”.

The declaration showed that Said owns a house in Nadur, an apartment in Lija, and an office in Rabat, (Gozo) and co-owns an apartment in Nadur.

Said, his wife and children have a combined €50,293 deposited in accounts held at BOV, Banif and Lombard, and he also has a €52,596 loan with the latter bank.

He has also invested €2,312 in a Valletta Fund Management fund, €4,900 in BOV subordinate bonds, and €5,448 in insurance from MSV Life.