The presence of the Prime Minister’s head of security at public hearings on a planning development application is giving rise to questions, Times of Malta is informed.

Planning Authority sources told the newspaper John Portelli, who was appointed Joseph Muscat’s official personal bodyguard soon after the 2013 election, was seen at public hearings of an appeal to sanction an illegal structure on top of City Lounge, a trendy bar and restaurant overlooking St George’s Square, Valletta.

The sources described Mr Portelli’s presence as “odd”, particularly since he does not appear in any official documents as having any particular personal interest in the catering establishment. It was also rather strange, they continued, because the sittings were held during regular office hours when he would usually be on duty.

A spokesman for the Prime Minister replied when asked about the matter: “Mr Portelli said he was present for one or two public meetings (on this application) as a private citizen. He confirmed that he has no interests in this application or any other business venture with City Lounge or its shareholders.”

Asked whether Mr Portelli’s presence at the hearings formed part of his duties at Castille, the spokesman said there was no connection whatsoever.

Mr Portelli, 66, from Żejtun, was reinstated into the police force on the first day Labour was returned to power in 2013, almost 10 years after his retirement from the corp. 

John Portelli (centre) stands behind Joseph Muscat. Photo: Chris Sant FournierJohn Portelli (centre) stands behind Joseph Muscat. Photo: Chris Sant Fournier

He was immediately promoted to sergeant major on the instructions of then police minister Manuel Mallia.

Known among colleagues as Iż-Żubina, Mr Portelli used also to have a private business together with Frankie Grima, the developer of City Lounge. However, the company, J&F Company Ltd, was struck off in 2002.

In 2017, the government had refused a request by Times of Malta under the Freedom of Information Act asking for details of Mr Portelli’s engagement contract including his financial package and perks. The Office of the Prime Minister had argued that the information was not available for publication as it “refers to documentation held by the security services”.

It had also refused to provide information on how many police officers formed part of Dr Muscat’s personal security detail and whether they were answerable to Mr Portelli or the Police Commissioner.

In the beginning of 2018, the Planning Authority had refused to sanction a retractable canopy, glass railing and a sign set up illegally by the owners of City Lounge overlooking the historic Valletta square. The canopy is still in place as an appeal filed by the company running the restaurant is being heard by the Environment and Planning Review Tribunal.

Architect and lawyer Robert Musumeci, a consultant to the Office of the Prime Minister, is representing the restaurant in the appeal proceedings.

 

Sign up to our free newsletters

Get the best updates straight to your inbox:
Please select at least one mailing list.

You can unsubscribe at any time by clicking the link in the footer of our emails. We use Mailchimp as our marketing platform. By subscribing, you acknowledge that your information will be transferred to Mailchimp for processing.