Updated with Culture Minister Owen Bonnci's reply below.

The father of Public Works and Planning Minister Stefan Zrinzo Azzopardi served as the "go-to guy" for architects wanting to influence the decision of the Cultural Heritage Advisory Committee, PN MP Julie Zahra said in parliament. 

Speaking on Wednesday evening, she said that up until a few weeks ago, the minister's father, Joe Zrinzo, served on the committee and was the "go-to guy" for several architects wanting to influence the recommendations by the Superintendence for Cultural Heritage.

According to Zahra, Zrinzo had served on the committee "up until a few weeks ago". Zrinzo Azzopardi was appointed planning minister after the March election. 

The committee, set up in 2016, advises the superintendence when it comes to issuing recommendations on planning applications. 

The government, Zahra said, appointed people who were "insiders" and not on the basis of their qualifications. This, she insisted, was disrespectful to the institutions.

Spokesman denies claim

Replying later, Culture Minister Owen Bonnici said that while he had appointed his old friend Joe Zrinzo to the Cultural Heritage Advisory Committee in 2020, once his son was appointed planning minister last March he had transferred Mr Zrinzo to the European Films Board. He therefore could not understand the opposition's criticism. 

A spokesperson for Joe Zrinzo also told Times of Malta that Zrinzo was denying the allegation made against him.

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