Independent election candidate Arnold Cassola has requested the Auditor-General investigate the government’s decision to grant 11 public jobs and directorships to Ryan Pace, a 31-year-old lawyer close to Prime Minister Robert Abela.
Cassola raised concerns about whether the appointments were merit-based and whether they represent value for taxpayers’ money.
The lawyer, who previously ran Abela’s private legal office, was recently made the legal representative of Festivals Malta by direct order, a position that comes with a €17,000 annual salary.
Pace’s extensive portfolio includes roles as chairman of the Malta Gaming Authority, director of ARMS Limited, Gozo Heliport Ltd, Malta Government Investments Ltd, Malta Investment Management Company Ltd, and the Malta Film Commission.
He also serves as secretary of Engineering Resources Ltd and Mediterranean Offshore Bunkering Company Ltd, and as a legal adviser to both the Malta Tourism Authority and Aġenzija Support.
Cassola questioned the rationale of concentrating so many public roles in one individual, suggesting it might be more beneficial for the country if these positions were distributed among other qualified professionals.
“Wouldn’t it make more sense for these jobs to be offered to other talented individuals rather than consolidating them in one person who is already managing the Prime Minister’s legal office?” Cassola asked.
He further requested the Auditor-General to verify if public calls were issued for the roles or if they were assigned by direct order, as reported by The Shift, a publication that previously covered the matter.
