Local Governance Board asked to investigate Marsascala mayor's deal with university investors

Front Harsien ODZ said today that it has asked the Local Governance Board to investigate Mario Calleja, mayor of the Marsaskala Local Council, "following his recent statements on agreeing to being gifted the construction of new local council premises by Sadeen Education Investment Ltd if the proposed American University of Malta is constructed on Zonqor land."

Times of Malta reported on November 21 that Sadeen Group, the company behind the controversial American University of Malta, has promised to build new premises for the Marsascala local council if a campus in Żonqor is permitted, the mayor has confirmed.

Speaking to the Times of Malta, Mr Calleja said the council had asked for help in kind from Sadeen Group during a recent meeting. “I met the CEO about a week before our last council meeting. I asked him what the council would be gaining from the project. We asked for help in kind and that includes the building of our new premises, which we desperately need,” he said.

Nationalist Party councillor Charlot Cassor described the deal with Sadeen Group as “ridiculous”,  saying this was not normal procedure.

“I wouldn’t lose the land at Żonqor for the council’s building, and I...