[WATCH] PL reiterates Fenech Adami villa extension a result ‘nepotism and abuse of power’

"Beppe Fenech Adami’s property extension was a clear case of nepotism"

Economy minister Chris Cardona reiterated that the case involving the extension of Beppe Fenech Adami’s property extension was a clear case of nepotism, favouritism and abuse of power. 

Speaking at a press conference, Cardona questioned whether Opposition leader Simon Busuttil was comfortable with the people he had in his party, which was representing good governance and transparency.

Cardona further made reference to comments made by Busuttil on TVM programme Dissett, where he said that he would dismiss anyone who showed a hint of corruption. 

Former PN candidate Ian Castaldi Paris questioned the coincidence that Fenech Adami’s house was included in the development zone in 2006.

He then showed a letter sent to the applicants whose request was denied, quoting a cabinet memo that showed that a planning policy had been adopted to limit building height. PL said that two requests had been made in respect to Gharghur properties, one of which belongs to Beppe Fenech Adami, but that the neighbouring property saw their request turned down. He further urged Fenech Adami to answer for the discrepancy despite meeting the same criteria.

The Nationalist government had back in 2006 controversially increased the development zones with Fenech Adami as one of its beneficiaries, whose villa was built by its first owners in 1988 in a green area, and was then included in the new development zones. Fenech Adami purchased the property in 1994.

In his letter, Gonzi had told Walker that MEPA’s planning control applications to allow three-storey extensions would affect developments that had recently been added to the development zone. However, reports alleged that on 13 October 2008 – merely three days after his instruction to MEPA – Gonzi informed the MEPA board secretary that he would approve individual PC applications, one of which affected the development of Fenech Adami’s own villa in Gharghur.

In its brief response to the press conference, the PN said that Cardona ought to explain why he was the only Labour MP defending Keith Schembri and Joseph Muscat.