Siġġiewi council to review finances after PN councillor accused of fraud
Audit to cover the entire term of Francine Farrugia, with a full report to be made public
The Siġġiewi local council is to undergo an independent audit of its finances following the arrest of former PN councillor Francine Farrugia on charges of fraud and embezzlement at MCAST, where she managed payroll.
Farrugia resigned from the council and "all roles" within the Nationalist Party on Thursday last week and was suspended by MCAST the following day.
In an emergency session Monday, the council approved a motion put forward by minority leader Christopher Farrugia to independently audit the council's finances throughout Farrugia’s tenure — from July 2019 until August 7 this year.
The motion also includes the council’s condemnation of “any type of abuse, theft, fraud and lack of transparency or accountability by those elected by the people.”
Once completed, the audit will be published in full.
The minority leader stressed the aim was not "to point any fingers; we are trying to address the concerns of the residents and give them peace of mind about the council’s finances".
Francine Farrugia, who served as an MCAST finance manager, stands accused of using millions of euros from the educational institution to buy property, cars and to go on a €113,000 spending spree at luxury department store Harrods.
She was arrested earlier this month and remains under arrest. Farrugia has denied all criminal charges.
On August 9, the Labour Party said Farrugia had been responsible for adjudicating tenders issued by the Siġġiewi council, arguing an independent audit was therefore necessary. PL councillors also called for her resignation.
Nationalist mayor Julian Borg insisted Farrugia was only involved in one tender, a project concerning non-urban roads, in which she acted as chairperson.
Borg presented a copy of Farrugia’s resignation letter, sent by her lawyer via email to the council. However, PL councillor Bertu Pace questioned the letter’s validity, noting it lacked her signature.
Within the Siġġiewi council, Farrugia was responsible for the education portfolio.
A casual election to replace Farrugia was announced earlier today. The Electoral Commission said it will accept nominations for the resulting casual election in Siġġiewi from Tuesday until noon on Thursday.
Prospective candidates must present their identity card. In the case of illness or being abroad, the nomination form can be submitted by a representative holding a notary-authenticated power of attorney drawn up specifically for this purpose. Each nomination must be accompanied by a €90 deposit.
Nomination forms can be collected from the Office of the Electoral Commission during the nomination period.