The Chats
As everyone knows, chats have been released revealing the close relationship of Johann Buttigieg with Yorgen Fenech, a prominent developer.
The chats have revealed how Johann Buttigieg was willing to do business with Fenech whenever the prominent developer wanted.
This is the head of a regulator which oversees the business of developers. How can the public be assured that the institution is working fairly, when its head is in such a close relationship with a developer.
Additionally, the chats also revealed how Johann Buttigieg was discussing Planning Authority affairs with Fenech.
It is also unknown if Johann Buttigieg has other chats with people whose business the authority must regulate.
Johann Buttigieg’s Planning Consultancy Business
It has also been revealed that Johann Buttigieg has a planning consultancy business, while serving as the Planning Authority’s CEO.
This is a clear conflict of interest. Buttigieg is heading a regulator which he himself might have business interests in its regulations/decisions: He is operating a planning firm while heading the planning authority.
The Prime Minister, back in 2020, had said that he did not want government agency CEOs to do private practice. When news came out of Buttigieg’s planning consultancy business, the government stated that an “exception” had been made. Why was Buttigieg so valuable and irreplaceable that an “exception” had to be made so that specifically he can head the PA? Why didn’t the government tell us immediately that he knew Buttigieg had a planning firm and that it made an exception about it? Are there other “exceptions”?
Public Outcry
There has been evident, large public outcry. At least 11 NGOs, 13 resident organisations and 11 student organisations have called for his removal.
The public outcry is more than clear. The people want him removed.
There has also been a press conference today (Saturday, 26 September) by 11 NGOs, which called for Buttigieg’s resignation.
Public Trust in Institutions
Public trust in institutions is important, especially in such an important issue like planning.
The people are doubtful about institutions, especially after what has been revealed during the Yorgen Fenech trial.
The planning regulator should enjoy the trust of all stakeholders: residents, developers, environmentalists, etc.
The last thing the country needs is further actions that continue eroding trust in institutions: like keeping Johann Buttigieg in office.
Something is not right
When, after all that has happened, the government is still making its utmost efforts to defend Buttigieg, something isn’t right.
I cannot understand how a government in a democratic country can decide to ignore the citizen’s such strong public sentiment, and I cannot understand why a government would decide to do that, except for some bad reason.
Also read: Why does the government keep defending Johann Buttigieg?
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