Joe Bugeja, Commissioner for Land since 2012, has resigned.

When contacted, he said he did not wish to give the reasons for his decision.

“I can tell you that I’ve decided to resign. However, although I’ve explained the reasons for my resignation to the minister, I don’t wish to elaborate further at this stage,” he said.

Sources close to the government said the resignation was the result of months of turmoil in the department, particularly due to the lack of communication and consultation between ministers and civil servants responsible for the handling of government property.

The Land Department has been in the news following some controversial decisions including the halt to court action against the Labour Party over Australia Hall and the payment of €4.2 million to a private company so the government could take back a property in Valletta used by Cafe Premier. The property actually belongs to the government and had been leased on emphyteusis.

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