Clint Camilleri, the Minister for Gozo, has strongly condemned the repeated attempts by former Nationalist Deputy and Repubblika lawyer Jason Azzopardi to undermine his reputation. Camilleri responded to Azzopardi’s third call for an inquiry into his actions, accusing the former deputy of spreading baseless, politically motivated allegations in an effort to tarnish his name.

Azzopardi’s latest accusation surrounds the Aquatic and Sports Centre project in Rabat, Gozo, which is set to include Malta’s first Olympic-sized pool. The project, which is expected to boost the island’s sports facilities and attract international athletes, has become the focus of Azzopardi’s relentless criticism. He has suggested that the project involved financial misappropriation. However, Camilleri was quick to clarify that these claims are entirely false and part of a concerted effort to create controversy where there is none.

Clint Camilleri pointed out that the €9 million figure Azzopardi cited only refers to one tender of the project: the construction tender. This, according to Camilleri, is being misrepresented by Azzopardi in an attempt to create the false impression of financial wrongdoing.

The total project, which involves multiple aspects including excavation, mechanical and electrical works, finishes, and more, actually involves seven tenders in total. Camilleri stressed that all six additional tenders had been published in a public, open tender system, and were awarded to the lowest bidders who met the technical and contractual requirements.

Camilleri further rejected Azzopardi’s allegations regarding the road project between Nadur and Għajnsielem, Gozo. Azzopardi had claimed that the project had cost double its allocated budget, an accusation that Camilleri dismissed as entirely false. According to Camilleri, the project was budgeted at €22.3 million, but the actual cost was €17 million, meaning the project came in €5.3 million under budget. He accused Azzopardi of spreading misinformation to create confusion and distrust, a tactic he said was part of a wider strategy of political persecution against him.

“Jason Azzopardi has been repeatedly attempting to create scandal and discredit my work by misrepresenting the facts. His allegations are not based on truth but on deliberate misinterpretations and misinformation,” said Camilleri. “He has chosen to ignore the full scope of these projects and has made baseless claims about financial mismanagement, despite clear evidence to the contrary.”

Camilleri condemned Azzopardi’s repeated attempts to generate controversy and discredit his ministry, highlighting the political motivations behind his actions. “This is a clear case of political persecution. Jason Azzopardi is using every tool at his disposal to tarnish my reputation and undermine the important work we are doing for the people of Gozo and Malta. His actions are not about accountability or transparency, but about pushing a political agenda,” said Camilleri.

In a final message, Camilleri made it clear that these attacks would not deter him from his responsibilities. “I will continue to focus on delivering for the people of Gozo. I will not be distracted by baseless allegations. Jason Azzopardi and those who support his smear campaigns will have to answer for their actions in due course,” he concluded.