Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1542124
THE Nationalist Party has called out the Prime Minister for continuing to defend Rod- erick Galdes, claiming he sees nothing wrong with what they call a string of scandals about a member of his cabinet. "The Prime Minister seems to believe that if he is satisfied, then everyone else must be satisfied too," the PN said in a statement issued on Thursday. The opposition's criticism followed Abela's statement on Galdes after he was asked about the latest revelation of the minister's property deal. The party pointed to the bargain deal through which Galdes acquired a luxury pent- house in Gozo complete with garage, airspace and jacuzzi for €140,000 from a company that, in the same year the promise of sale was signed, was awarded a €27 million contract for social housing projects by the Hous- ing Authority under Galdes's ministerial responsibility. Another case involves the ex- change of an apartment valued at €135,000 in Xagħra for a plot of land valued at €100,000 in Għarb, from the same con- tractor, who covered the dif- ference in value by carrying out works on the site for Gal- des. The PN highlighted sever- al controversies surrounding Galdes, including allegations by former Labour MEP Mar- lene Mizzi that Galdes po- litically interfered in Malita Investments and maintained close ties with developers awarded major contracts. Miz- zi was removed as Chairperson of Malita after raising these concerns. The PN noted that Galdes is being investigated by the National Audit Office in rela- tion to the Malita case, by the Standards Commissioner over the purchase of property at a price far below market value, and is now also under police investigation following a re- quest by lawyer Jason Azzo- pardi for an inquiry into unex- plained wealth. "Galdes himself told us yes- terday that he sees no con- flict of interest whatsoever in having secured these advanta- geous deals apart from owning a long list of properties in Mal- ta, Gozo and abroad, despite being the Minister responsible for housing," the PN said. The party also called out Gal- des statement that he would no longer answer journalists' questions. The opposition criticised Ab- ela for appearing convinced that not a single MP within his parliamentary group feels uncomfortable about Galdes's property deals, despite media reports suggesting otherwise. "He has chosen to continue defending Roderick Galdes and to take him at his word, claiming that Galdes 'provided all the explanations he needed to decide that no action is re- quired'," the PN said. 7 gozotoday | FRIDAY • 19 DECEMBER 2025 CULTURE Merry Christmas AND A Happy New Year The Executive Chairperson, Planning Board Chairperson, Board Members, Management and Staff at the Planning Authority wish everyone a Peaceful Christmas and a Prosperous New Year. The Authority would like to notify its clients and the public that its offices will be closed between the 22nd December 2025 (from 11:00 onwards) and the 2nd January 2026. The offices will re-open on Monday 5th January 2026. To report ongoing illegal development, please call 99031709. Due to planned ICT maintenance between Tuesday, 23rd December and Wednesday, 31st December 2025, the eApplications system, PA website, and MapServer will be unavailable, during this period. PN: Abela's satisfaction with Galdes ignores young people struggling to buy homes Roderick Galdes has been under fire in recent weeks as the public is learning about his very favourable property dealings with top developers