Silvio Schembri Cleared of Property-Related Conflict Of Interest Allegations

On 27 March 2023, Dr Robert Aquilina, then President of the Republic, formally requested an investigation into Honourable Minister Silvio Schembri. The complaint alleged that the Minister might be receiving benefits from Maltese businessmen and contractors who provided him with property to use as political offices, potentially creating conflicts of interest or improper obligations, in breach of the Code of Ethics for Ministers (section 4.8).

The complaint cited multiple media reports. On 12 March 2023, The Shift reported that Minister Schembri used a constituency office in Ħal Luqa, in a building developed by Paul Attard, a developer involved in a public land tender in Mellieha worth around €12 million. On 19 March 2023, The Shift also highlighted a Siġġiewi office in a building developed by Anton Camilleri, linked to a €300 million project, raising concerns over potential favouritism.

At the time, Schembri was Minister for the Economy, European Funds, and Lands, responsible for the Lands Authority. He is now Minister for the Economy, Enterprise, and Strategic Projects.

The Commissioner for Standards in Public Life opened an investigation under sections 4.7, 4.8, 8.1, and 8.4 of the Code of Ethics, addressing conflicts of interest, acceptance of gifts, and responsibilities to avoid situations creating improper obligations.

Procedural steps included a 19 April 2023 request to Schembri for details on all constituency offices, ownership, terms of use, and any potential conflicts. Schembri responded on 18 May 2023, listing three offices: Ħal Luqa – purchased personally, with contracts provided, Rabat – tolerated by a former Labour candidate, Siġġiewi – rented from Garnet Limited, with contracts and receipts provided.

Schembri emphasised that the Lands Authority operates autonomously, with decisions made by an independent board including opposition representation. Further documentation was requested, and Schembri provided all contracts and receipts, confirming no gifts or obligations were involved. On 10 January 2025, he cited a Times of Malta report confirming that executive decisions in Lands or Planning are made by the Authority’s boards, not the Minister.

However, on 11 January 2025, Dr Jason Azzopardi requested a magisterial inquiry into Schembri regarding Mellieha land and St George’s Bay transactions. According to Article 13(3) of the Standards in Public Life Act, the Commissioner must suspend investigations if the matter is under court proceedings, a tribunal, a magisterial inquiry, or a police investigation. The Commissioner therefore suspended the investigation.

Dr Jason Azzopardi’s requests were, however, denied by both the Magistrate and the Judge during the appeal, which allowed the Standards Commissioner to close the investigations.

#MaltaDaily