Watch: Joseph Portelli Confirms He Donates Money To Both PL And PN But Says It’s Not For Favours
Joseph Portelli, one of Malta’s most renowned developers, confirmed he donates money to both PL and PN but insisted he doesn’t do so because he expects some kind of favours in return.
Portelli appeared on ONE TV’s new show ‘Grilling’, where he took questions from an interviewer hidden behind a screen, and was asked whether he is close to Malta’s big parties.
“Obviously,” he responded. “Arnold Cassola can come to me and I will speak to him. Why not? Just because he insults me?”
When asked whether he donates money to PL and PN, Portelli responded in the affirmative.
“100%, I have said so publicly and will keep on saying so,” he said.
However, when asked what he expects in return, Portelli insisted he is looking out for the good of the country and not his own personal interests.
“Imagine the likes of Obama, Trump or Biden not having enough money to run a campaign; I don’t think they’re just using their own money. Imagine there wasn’t enough money to run campaigns in Malta and someone who isn’t of a proper level gets elected. That’s why I do it. I don’t donate money so that I can receive a favour if I need something.”
“If I need something, I will only ask for it because I deserve it.”
Portelli insisted he was never given a single planning permit that went against current policies and in fact claimed he was treated unfairly by the courts, when certain permits were revoked or amended.
“If anything it’s the opposite,” he argued. “So many permits were revoked over the past year, it’s so sad. If I wasn’t strong, it could have run me to the ground.”
“And why did they revoke them? No one is above the law and I tip my hat off to the courts and follow their decisions, but they disagree with the Planning Authority’s decisions. This isn’t good for us – it’s confusing for us and those who will come after us. It isn’t fair and I hope it’s sorted out soon.”
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