UPDATED: This story has been updated with new information which you can read here. Michael Zammit Tabona applied for table-covers in Naxxar Square with opposition by the local council, but he does not longer own the restaurant that is mentioned.
Clayton Bartolo is currently embroiled in a scandal involving his wife’s irregular and fraudulent public contract, worth up to €70,000, for her supposed role as his “policy consultant”. She is currently investing in a new catering establishment called Tax-Xalluwa Café Bar in Naxxar located in Victory Square, Naxxar.
Naxxar’s Pjazza Vittorja has become a well-frequented place due to events and parties organised by the catering establishments in the area are using the main square to fill it with table-covers for their events. Some catering establishments are now trying to get these table-covers placed permanently in the square.
In order to clear the square for more table space, the government removed a fountain that was situated in front of the Church. This was done with the approval of the Church authorities while the mayor, Chris Deguara had opposed its removal.
One of the catering establishments in the square that was reported to have expanded its table covers outside in public space was an establishment called Cicchetti that was previously run b y Michael Zammit Tabona. Michael Zammit Tabona is a major Labour Party donor and currently, also a major backer of Tourism Minister Clayton Bartolo. He is also known for being the owner of Fortina Hotel and the Capitan Morgan ferries, so having the Tourism Minister in his pocket pays off big dividends for him. Recently, Michael Zammit Tabona even helped Clayton Bartolo over his wedding ceremony.
Now, Clayton Bartolo and Michael Zammit Tabona share a common business goal on which they are both actively working: to clear Naxxar town square so they can fill it with tables and covers. They are pursuing this plan despite opposition from the town mayor. Michael Zammit Tabona already received a permit from the Malta Tourism Authority over external table-covers and this was opposed by the local council which didn’t issue a permit for it.
The town mayor Chris Deguara is now fighting to keep the town square free from table-covers so that it remains an accessible public space. The Minister who now owns a catering-establishment with his wife, has different plans.
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