Robert Abela blocks access to consultant information

In a significant blow to transparency and accountability, Maltese Prime Minister Robert Abela has reportedly instructed his ministers and parliamentary secretaries to withhold information regarding individuals employed as advisors or consultants under “positions of trust” within the government. This decision, which restricts responses both in parliament and through media inquiries, marks a stark departure from previous practices and has ignited fresh concerns about secrecy and lack of oversight within the current administration.

Sources close to the matter suggest that this directive from the Office of the Prime Minister follows the controversy surrounding Amanda Muscat, the wife of former Tourism Minister Clayton Bartolo. Muscat was controversially employed by Gozo Minister Clint Camilleri but continued working from her husband’s office, in what critics have described as an attempt to circumvent the Ministerial Code of Ethics. The scandal, revealed by independent outlet The Shift, ultimately led to Minister Bartolo’s resignation in 2023.

A growing trend of limiting public access to government data

The latest development is part of a broader trend in which Prime Minister Abela’s government has increasingly sought to limit access to information traditionally available to both the media and the public. In earlier moves that alarmed watchdog groups and opposition figures, Abela halted the long-standing practice of publishing ministers’ declarations of assets—an exercise in transparency that had been followed for over three decades.

By issuing new internal cabinet memos that prohibit ministers from sharing lists of government consultants, Abela has further institutionalized opacity. These lists, once readily provided upon parliamentary inquiry or media request, are now deemed off-limits. Even Freedom of Information (FOI) requests—an essential tool for journalists and civil society to hold power to account—are being systematically denied.

How the Amanda Muscat case triggered a shift toward secrecy

The scandal that likely triggered this clampdown involved Amanda Muscat’s employment arrangement. Despite being listed as a consultant within the Gozo Ministry, Muscat reportedly never stepped foot in the ministry offices and continued working for her husband, Minister Bartolo. This maneuver raised ethical and legal questions about compliance with civil service rules and the Ministerial Code of Ethics.

According to the exposé by The Shift, the appointment appeared to be a workaround to grant Muscat a government salary while still serving in her husband’s office. The backlash was swift, with Bartolo stepping down from his ministerial role, leaving a political scar that the administration has since sought to avoid repeating by suppressing similar revelations.

Abuse of consultancy contracts under scrutiny

A wider look exposes a concerning trend of exploiting consultancy positions. Sources within the government allege that many consultancy contracts are being handed out to political allies, personal acquaintances, and electoral canvassers—often in exchange for loyalty or electoral support. In some cases, these individuals perform no tangible duties, essentially receiving government salaries for political patronage.

These contracts, colloquially dubbed “kuntratt tal-għaxart elef” or “the €10,000 contract”, refer to part-time consultancy agreements that grant substantial pay with limited expectations of deliverables. This widespread misuse, insiders claim, has turned public consultancy positions into political currency, diminishing their intended value to public service.

Loopholes and secret rule changes

Until recently, rules governing the appointment of consultants placed clear limits on their number and scope. Ministers were not permitted to employ individuals already on the payroll of another government department or authority. However, it has now emerged that these safeguards have been quietly dismantled.

Prime Minister Abela is reported to have amended internal regulations to allow ministers to sidestep these limitations. A particularly egregious workaround involves the splitting of full-time consultancy posts into multiple part-time contracts, enabling more individuals—often with political connections—to benefit from taxpayer-funded roles. This approach both increases government expenditure and reduces accountability, as these smaller contracts often escape scrutiny.

Coordinated denials and refusal of FOI requests

The Shift has submitted Freedom of Information requests to every ministry, seeking access to current consultancy and advisory contracts. However, each ministry has responded with the same carefully worded rejection, claiming that the requests are “too vague.” This blanket refusal has raised suspicions of a coordinated strategy to prevent transparency.

Just a few years ago, the same ministries provided such information freely and without controversy. The sudden shift toward opacity, particularly after high-profile scandals, has heightened public skepticism about the motives behind the new restrictions.

Transparency advocates sound the alarm

The Maltese public has long demanded greater openness from its leaders, particularly in light of past scandals that have shaken trust in government institutions. Transparency International and other watchdog organizations have consistently ranked Malta low on transparency metrics, and recent moves by Abela’s administration are likely to worsen the country’s international standing.

Critics argue that refusing to disclose the identities and roles of publicly funded consultants prevents the public from evaluating whether these appointments are based on merit or political favoritism. Moreover, it obstructs journalistic efforts to investigate conflicts of interest, cronyism, and potential misuse of public funds.

A legacy at risk

Robert Abela, who assumed office promising change after the turbulent tenure of Joseph Muscat, now faces credibility challenges due to his government's growing lack of transparency. While the government continues to speak about modernization and efficiency, the reality appears to be a retreat into secrecy.

Political analysts note that such actions may erode Abela’s support base, particularly among younger voters who value open governance and integrity. Moreover, international observers and EU bodies may intensify scrutiny on Malta, which has already faced criticism over issues ranging from media freedom to financial regulation.

Growing calls for legislative reform

In response to these developments, opposition politicians, civil society organizations, and independent journalists are calling for legislative reform to strengthen transparency obligations. Proposals include codifying mandatory disclosure of consultancy contracts, restoring asset declaration practices, and establishing independent oversight mechanisms for government appointments.

Advocates argue that public funds must be used responsibly, and that every taxpayer has the right to know who is benefiting from state resources. True accountability depends on transparency, and without it, the foundations of democracy are endangered.

Conclusion: Transparency under siege in Malta

Prime Minister Robert Abela’s directive to restrict access to information about government advisors and consultants has intensified concerns about Malta’s commitment to democratic norms. The refusal to honor Freedom of Information requests, the quiet revision of rules, and the clear pattern of patronage all point toward a systemic effort to shield political operations from public scrutiny.

As watchdog groups and journalists continue to demand accountability, it remains to be seen whether the government will reconsider its stance or double down on secrecy. For now, the flow of information that once helped the public understand how power is exercised—and by whom—has been severely curtailed.

FAQs

What prompted Prime Minister Robert Abela to restrict information about government consultants?
The decision followed a scandal involving Amanda Muscat, who was employed in a questionable manner, leading to her husband's resignation from the cabinet.

Why are media outlets no longer receiving lists of government consultants?
The Prime Minister has issued internal directives instructing ministers to withhold this information, using cabinet memos to justify the decision.

What is a “kuntratt tal-għaxart elef”?
It refers to a €10,000 part-time consultancy contract, often given to political supporters without expectations of real government work.

Were consultancy contracts always kept secret in Malta?
No, up until recently, ministries regularly disclosed consultancy contracts when asked in parliament or by the media.

How has the media responded to the clampdown?
Media outlets such as The Shift have filed Freedom of Information requests, which have been uniformly denied on vague grounds.

What was the controversy involving Amanda Muscat?
She was officially hired by the Gozo Ministry but continued working in her husband's office, which was seen as an ethical violation.

Have rules around government consultants been changed?
Yes, the Prime Minister has reportedly amended internal guidelines to allow more flexibility in hiring, including splitting roles into multiple contracts.

What are critics saying about the situation?
Transparency advocates argue that the government is dismantling long-standing safeguards against patronage and corruption.

What has happened to ministers’ declarations of assets?
The government has stopped publishing them, reversing a 30-year practice and prompting additional transparency concerns.

Is there any public pushback against the secrecy?
Yes, civil society groups, journalists, and opposition leaders are calling for legislative reforms to restore transparency and public oversight.