PA denies organising petition backing CEO Johann Buttigieg

The Planning Authority (PA) denied initiating or organising a petition circulating among staff calling for Johann Buttigieg to retain his position as the authority’s CEO.

“Any such activity within the authority must cease immediately,” its executive chairman said in a message sent to PA staff. “We will not tolerate any form of pressure being exerted on staff.”

The authority said its executive chairman was neither aware of nor behind the petition, and had not requested that it be circulated.

It was also made clear that no member of staff should be approached or pressured to sign it.

On Monday, Moviment Graffitti raised concerns over employees claims that they were being pressured to sign the petition out of fears that Buttigieg could retaliate against them if they refuse.

Dozens of NGOs and organisations have demanded Buttigieg’s resignation following the publication of his exchanges with businessman Yorgen Fenech, which came to light during Fenech’s murder trial and raised further questions over the proximity between public officials and business interests.

Buttigieg had been placed back at the helm of the PA by Prime Minister Robert Abela in 2025 to address a significant backlog of planning permits. Buttigieg had stepped down from his role as PA CEO and was awarded a number of lucrative consultancies, some of which were given to him by Malta’s top developers.

The PA went on to assure employees that the decision to sign, decline, or stay out of the matter entirely was theirs alone and would have no bearing whatsoever on their employment.

It concluded by reaffirming its commitment to maintaining a professional and respectful working environment, while urging staff to remain focused on their responsibilities and the delivery of services to the public.