Updated: Removal of Mepa audit officer condemned

Edward Mallia

Jul 27th 2012, 22:53

It does seem that many of these comments are just party political hype. The elimination of the Mepa Audit Office and its transfer to the Ombudsman's Office as a Commisioner for the Environment is a matter of law passed through Parliament with the support of both sides. The way it was put through, without decent prior warning is objectionable and crass; the apparent choice of a successor if it has indeed taken place without consultation with the leader of the Opposition is illegal; the timing and the substitution of Joseph Falzon (given that he himself would have considered staying on of course) show little sensitivity on the part of the authorities. The move could easily have negative electoral repercussions. Given recent history it must also give rise to doubts about Government intentions. After all even with the old set-up, MEPA regularly "disagreed" with the conclusions of its Auditor and disregarded advice on possible legal action.

Victor Vella

Jul 27th 2012, 20:10

This is democracy and transparency al la GonziPN regime of arrogants and hypocrisy. Continue with the farce GonziPN. He who laughs last, laughs better. And GonziPN dreams and drama continue......

victor bonello

Jul 27th 2012, 15:01

The elimination of the audit office is clearly the first sign, that the PN intends to issue a number of debatable permits to its close friends..

A. Mizzi

Jul 27th 2012, 14:49

Xejn ma jsir b’kumbinazzjoni meta tersaq l’elezzjoni!

Kullhadd jiftakar x’xalata kien hemm il-Mepa qabel l’elezzjoni l’ohra, fejn anki il-BORD TAL-mepa INBIDDEL LEJLET L’ELEZZJONI U BDEW HERGIN PERMESSI ODZ qishom permessi …u kullhadd haf minn gawda!

L’uniku arma li fadallu GonziPn huwa il “POWER OF INCUMBENCY “ U jwarrab nies integri u serji bhal Joe Falzon halli ma jkollhux xkiel!

Kif sejjer jidefendu din id-decizjoni Dr. Gonzi u ta’ Madwaru?

Kien ikun tajjeb kieku jaghmlulu Polygraph Test (Lie Detector) meta jsaqsuh ukoll…

Joseph Camilleri

Jul 27th 2012, 14:30

this is verging on the rediculous.

1. Perit Falzo in practically all his interviews always said he was on borrowed time and was waiting to be replaced

2. The new MEPA Act provides for an Environment Commissioner which is a step up from a non-descript Audit Officer.

3. The Environment Commissioner has precise remits under the ombudsman, unlike the Audit officer who was a loose cannon.

4. There is absolutely no reason to believe that the new appointee will not be as strongly critical of MEPA, indeed he is an outspoken critic in Periti Circles.

5. Every appointment comes to an end and no one is a martyr because of that. The fact that perit Falzon is allowing himself to be used in this manner speakes volumes.

anthony sultana

Jul 27th 2012, 14:08

AD can give our tiny island the last breath to survive.Stone is the first thing from the PL and the PN parties.

Jay Oatmon

Jul 27th 2012, 13:54

Very true previously there was a choice of two parties both run on a similar basis (we support and protect the powerful and not the weak and those who can make us money).

t wold be good to see a balance of power shift to the AD to see if they can change the status quo in Malta politics.

The public do not want a Mepa which is "pandering to the powerful, and getting favours in return while ignoring the public" maybe a coalition like the UK can force changes.

R. Cilia

Jul 27th 2012, 13:50

AD, very well said.

Joseph Borg

Jul 27th 2012, 13:42

"The removal of Joe Falzon from the post of Mepa audit officer keeps confirming that the authority, like the government, is structured to act in the interests of big business developers, rather than for environmental protection and sustainability."
Well said and fully agree with you. And I continue to say that Mepa is the most corrupted authority ever existed in Malta.

Thomas Rubicon

Jul 27th 2012, 12:38

This time round for the next general elections, Alternativa Demokratika should be more of the choice of the "free voter" - free from the shackles of the big parties.

Victor Rodenas

Jul 27th 2012, 12:26

I just pushed my` LIKE ` button.

Eve Axiaq

Jul 27th 2012, 12:25

Mela ma jaqblilhomx izommuh? Ghaliex ghandhom x'jahbu?

Joseph Grech Attard

Jul 27th 2012, 12:12

Nothing is more true!