Hands off Johann Buttigieg, developers tell PN

The Malta Development Association hit out at the Nationalist Party over its insistance that Johann Buttigieg be removed from Planning Authority chief.

In a statement on Friday, the MDA cautioned the party against “politicising delicate situations” amid mounting pressure on Buttigieg to resign from his post.

The association defended Buttigieg, saying he “managed to make a profound difference at the helm of the most challenging authority.”

The MDA’s warning comes after the PN issued a statement insisting that the onus is on Prime Minister Robert Abela to remove Buttigieg from his post as PA CEO.

The association advised the PN to adopt a proactive approach by proposing and outlining the implementation of the new reforms Malta so urgently needs rather than “succumbing to the temptation of jumping on the populist bandwagon.”

The association said it has never shied away from speaking out when necessary for good governance, but urged all parties to act responsibly and avoid drawing conclusions based on “mere suspicions and unproven allegations.”

Buttigieg has faced mounting calls to resign following the publication of chats between him and business tycoon Yorgen Fenech.

The chats showed Buttigieg discussing business opportunities with Fenech while in office and offering to enter into business with him.

Environmental campaigners asked for Buttigieg's removal and on Thursday gate-crashed a conference where the PA CEO was one of the speakers. Buttigieg said those objecting to his leadership should take it up with the government that appointed him.

Buttigieg had been appointed CEO of the PA by the prime minister in 2025 to address a significant backlog of planning permits.

In 2019, he stepped down from his role as PA CEO after he was rebuked by the Planning Ombudsman for his decision to fly over board member Jacqueline Gili from Sicily on a private jet to participate in a vote on the 38-storey high-rise db project.

After leaving the PA, Buttigieg worked as a consultant to some of Malta’s top developers, including Michael Stivala, who doubles up as president of the Malta Development Association.

At least 34 entities have already called for Buttigieg’s removal.