GSD calls for reforms to prevent ‘political favouritism’ in payments & contracts

Opposition Leader Keith Azopardi says the latest Principal Auditor’s report highlights the need for tougher controls on payments, contracts, and settlements involving individuals with links to the governing parties.

He points to a series of “questionable payments” detailed in the report, including some where the Auditor’s requests for further information were ignored.

Mr Azopardi says there should be no political favouritism in dealing with financial claims or public contracts. 

He called for reforms to ensure stricter conflict-of-interest rules, improved transparency in awarding high-value contracts, and more robust protocols around ex gratia payments or settlements to individuals with ties to the governing parties.

He said the public must be confident that contracts and payments are awarded on merit and not on political affiliation.

Meanwhile, the GSD's Damon Bossino says the Government is hell bent on trashing the reputation of the principal auditor, and says there has been no contact or collusion between him and the GSD.

Mr Bossino points out that only recently the Government praised Mr Sacramento for providing a dedicated and professional service.

GOVERNMENT RESPONSE

Meanwhile, the Government says the GSD’s reaction proves the former Principal Auditor’s report is biased and politically motivated.

It highlights the omission of party affiliation when payments involve former GSD Ministers, while GSLP links are named.

It claims the report was designed to aid the Opposition’s political narrative.