Updated 8.20pm with Gozo ministry denial

The Qala local council rallied to voice unanimous support for mayor Paul Buttiegieg after receiving reports that threatened to take action to unseat him. 

In an emergency council meeting on Friday, minutes of two complaints which were made to the council clerk were read out which contained threats to have Buttigieg removed from his position.

According to the complaints read out in the meeting, the complaints centre around a group of residents who would like trucks to be restricted from driving down Triq l-Indipendenza and who claim that the council has instructed such heavy vehicles to use this road to access nearby quarries.

The person said that they had taken up the issue with Gozo Minister Clint Camilleri, who told them that should they want to take the council to court, Infrastructure Malta would be willing to pay for a lawyer.

The minister denied that he had advised the residents to institute court action or that he had offered legal support (see full right of reply below). 

Another complainant similarly came to the council secretary in person and said they had spoken to a lawyer and would be proceeding criminally against Buttigieg for failing to take action on the issue. 

“The Council condemns such threats that were made towards the Mayor and which threats were made by a hidden hand in power, for their gain.The council also jointly deplores every attempt to remove persons from public positions  which were democratically elected,” the Qala local council said in a statement. 

Buttigieg and the Qala council have stood up against overdevelopment in the locality and made their opposition known, taking a stand against mega developments in the village as well as attempts to build up the coastal Ħondoq area. 

Last year Buttigieg was subject to an investigation by the councils department, which he said was also part of a campaign by hidden interests to oust him.

'Pure fiction'

In a right of reply sent to Times of Malta, the Gozo ministry denied the claims of its involvement.

"The minister vehemently denies this allegation. The minister did not, in any way, suggest taking the Qala Local Council to court and even more so using free legal services from any ministry or government authority," the ministry said.

"This allegation is pure fiction and only intended to harm.

"The minister had and will always collaborate with all local councils in their endeavours and works in the best interest of its residents. In particular, Qala residents can vouch for this during the minister’s tenure as mayor of the village and subsequently Minister for Gozo.

"These allegations will not deter the minister and the ministry from continuing their job in favour of all Gozitans and Gozo."