The PN yesterday accused the Prime Minister of “resorting to lies” to protect Gozo Minister Anton Refalo.

It is being alleged that Dr Refalo was involved in the commissioning of public works on private property in various localities in Gozo.

When asked whether they were investigating allegations of such types of works having been carried out in Gozo since March 2013, the police said they had started “the Gozo investigation and, so far, a person has been charged in court”. They pointed out that they did “not limit themselves to any particular period but investigate any information and evidence [they receive], concerning a criminal offence, irrespective of any particular date”.

In a statement yesterday, Dr Refalo denied he was being investigated by the police and rejected the claims being made.

PN deputy leader Beppe Fenech Adami said yesterday that, in order to refrain from taking action against Dr Refalo, the Prime Minister was now saying the minister had given satisfactory replies in all cases.

You can’t have a minister under investigation and, at the same time, still doing his job while having direct access to the files that might incriminate him

“This is a lie. About 10 different cases of abuse by Minister Refalo were reported in the press and Dr Refalo replied weakly on only three cases,” Dr Fenech Adami charged.

“The Prime Minister of this country cannot continue trying to deceive people all the time,” Dr Fenech Adami said.

The cases raised in the media refer to works in connection with private properties in Marsalforn, Għasri, Xagħra, Għajnsielem, Munxar, Victoria and San Lawrenz.

Dr Refalo has denied the allegations and said he would be suing for libel.

Saying the PN was not afraid of any legal action because it was only asking for action to be taken about reports in the media, Dr Fenech Adami said the ball was now in the Prime Minister’s court.

He insisted Dr Refalo’s position had become untenable and the Prime Minister could not escape reality any longer.

“You can’t have a minister under investigation and, at the same time, still doing his job while having direct access to the files that might incriminate him. This is not on and the Prime Minister is being an accomplice if he continues to tolerate this situation,” Dr Fenech Adami said.

Asked about Dr Refalo’s assets declaration, this, he said, also merited an investigation. “I just cannot understand how a minister who declared earning almost a minimum wage can amass a portfolio of about 20 properties,” he remarked. “People are not stupid and can reach their own conclusions,” he added.

Reacting, the Labour Party said in a statement the claims made by the PN were just an excuse to deviate attention from Giovanna Debono’s husband (who has been charged in court in connection with the ‘works for votes’ allegations). Labour denied that Dr Refalo was adopting the same ‘works for votes’ system.

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