Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1531177
3 maltatoday | WEDNESDAY • 8 JANUARY 2025 NEWS MATTHEW FARRUGIA mfarrugia@mediatoday.com.mt Johann Buttigieg to return to helm of Planning Authority 'to enhance efficiency' JOHANN Buttigieg is set to return as the CEO of the Planning Authority (PA), to "enhance efficiency," sources have told MaltaToday. His comeback comes at a time when the PA is under pressure to address a signif- icant backlog of planning permits, some six years after he had stepped down from the post. A source close to government told Mal- taToday that the decision to re-appoint Buttigieg was intended to "enhance effi- ciency, eliminate backlog and implement reforms". "It was important to get the PA administration in order and motivate workers," the source added. Buttigieg, who was also employed as a consultant for the Malta Developer Asso- ciation's president, Michael Stivala, was appointed chief executive in 2013. His tenure was often overshadowed by con- troversy, including allegations of conflicts of interest. In 2019, he was rebuked by the Planning Ombudsman for his decision to fly over board member Jacqueline Gili from Sicily on a private jet to participate in a vote on the 38-storey high-rise DB project, which was approved in September. After leaving the PA, he was appointed CEO of the Malta Tourism Authority. In December 2019, Buttigieg signed an €80,000 consultancy contract with Kon- rad Mizzi, just two weeks after Mizzi re- signed as tourism minister. Buttigieg 'retrieved from the trash skip of history' - Moviment Graffitti Reacting to the news, Moviment Graf- fitti says that Buttigieg will always be re- membered for his work in favour of "the most corrupt and biggest thieves in the country." Cassola says Buttigieg's return shows political administration is 'corrupt to the marrow' Independent politician Arnold Cassola expressed concern at Buttigieg's return to the PA, noting that his previous tenure at the PA was marred by controversies, most notably his connection with Yorgen Fenech. He reminded that Fenech sought Butt- igieg's assistance in targeting develop- ments by Joseph Portelli as a settlement for a debt, while Buttigieg willingly col- laborated. "We can do business whenever you like," Buttigieg had stated. Despite his history, Cassola said the government appears intent on reinstat- ing Buttigieg, as he described the move as "further reason for the people to take to the streets to force the resignation of a political administration that is corrupt to the marrow." Developers, architects congratulate Buttigieg The National Building Council, made up of the Kamra tal-Periti and Malta Development Association, said it looks forward to discussions with Buttigieg to tackle critical issues, including the need to balance economic growth with social, environmental, and cultural pri- orities. A key priority highlighted by the NBC is the reform of planning policies These include local plans and DC15, ensuring better design standards and- focusing on promoting sustainable de- velopment. Additionally, the Council called for significant improvements in the plan- ning processes to reduce delays, cut bureaucracy, and address issues affect- ing housing affordability. The NBC also pointed to recent Court of Appeal rulings on planning applica- tions, which show the need for a fair, consistent, and lawful approach to de- cision-making within the PA. Johann Buttigieg THOMAS CILIA tcilia@mediatoday.com.mt SEVERAL witnesses claimed in Court on Tuesday that they were injured by police officers on the night of their arrest. The witnesses testified during proceedings in which a 33-year- old Filipino man stands charged with attempting to cause a po- lice constable grievous injuries as well as damaging his phone and failing to obey police or- ders. The man, who resides in Pieta and who also stands accused of reckless driving and driving un- der the influence, was granted bail on Monday. Several witnesses took the witness stand during the sitting presided over by Magistrate Gi- annella Camilleri Busuttil. A friend of the accused, a pas- senger sitting at the back of the car at the time of the incident, recalled that he and his friends were in Paceville that night. It was revealed that the driver and five passengers in the car had been under the influence of alcohol after drinking at the house of a friend of theirs. The group were the subject of a car chase after the driver drove off whilst being issued a fine by the police. Although the witness had advised the accused to stop driving, it was only af- ter the car sustained a punc- ture that the car was eventually stopped. Whilst the driver and passen- gers were all arrested in the vicinity of the Santa Venera Tunnels, only the former was charged. Another friend of the accused took to the stand, confirming that the group had indeed been drinking before the incident. He testified that although he had surrendered himself, the police allegedly struck him in the face. He claimed that he was hit with a weapon, and that he was not informed of the reasons for his arrest. Another witness claimed that a police officer had thrown him to the ground and pinned him down. Describing the event as traumatic, he further alleged that the police had struck the car's windshield. He also said the police broke a pair of glasses belonging to him. At this juncture, defence law- yer Franco Debono requested that the necessary actions be taken, including that the glasses be preserved as evidence. Another witness also claimed that he had been pushed and assaulted by the police, and that the reasons for his arrest were not explained to him. Another friend of the accused also claimed that the police of- ficer who arrested him disre- garded his request that he be handcuffed with his hands at the front, replying that he was not to be told what to do. The witness claimed that as a result of his arm being twisted by the officer, his recovery from a frac- tured arm was prolonged and worsened. A police officer also testified during the sitting, informing the Court that the man, who was driving at excessive speeds, was forced to stop after sustain- ing a puncture. He noted that during the arrest, his phone was damaged and his back was also injured. Documentation re- garding the repair of the mobile phone was also submitted. The accused, who had pleaded not guilty upon arraignment, requested bail, which was ulti- mately granted against a €2,000 deposit and a €3,000 personal guarantee. A curfew was im- posed, and the man was also or- dered to sign the bail book. Inspector Darryl Farr led the prosecution. Defence lawyers Franco Debono and Adreana Zammit assisted the accused. Witnesses describe being struck in the face and pinned to the ground during arrests