The European Commission is expected to conclude its investigation into how Minister Anton Refalo’s family was allocated some €270,000 in EU funds to turn a once illegal ODZ building on the outskirts of Qala into a so-called “yoga boutique hotel”.
The Shift has learned that the probe, conducted by the Directorate General for Regional and Urban Policy, a body responsible for the implementation of EU regional and urban policy, has made significant progress.
The investigation was launched following an investigative story by The Shift in 2023, which revealed how a company owned by Minister Refalo’s wife, Michelina, was awarded a substantial amount of EU funds from Malta’s allocation to establish a private boutique hotel.
This discovery raises concerns about the fairness of the allocation process, given the direct involvement of Minister Refalo’s family in the project.
Brussels started its investigation after receiving several official complaints on possible abuse of EU funds, both by private individuals and the ADPD.
According to the original description of the project, the minister’s 16-bed hotel, with views of Daħlet Qorrot Bay, was to offer a unique experience, including lessons and experiences in yoga and meditation.
Contrary to the original vision, The Shift has learned that the hotel, managed by Andre Refalo, the minister’s son, is just another hotel among the many built in Gozo in recent years.
According to hotel booking websites, the minister’s hotel, l-Eremita, is currently attracting clients ready to pay some €300 a night, promising them a luxury service.
Officially, the hotel is owned by L-Eremita Company Ltd, with the minister’s wife being the sole director.
The European Regional Development Funds (ERDF) were allocated to the minister’s family in 2020 by national authorities who manage the funds on behalf of the EU.
Refalo and his wife acquired the sprawling 2,000-square-metre property in the early 1990s when it consisted of just a small agricultural building on the outskirts of Qala.
Over the years, the building was expanded in a piecemeal fashion, mainly through repeated illegal interventions, later sanctioned by the Planning Authority under both administrations.
The minister and his wife were able to secure the EU funds, which covered 80 % of their project, only after receiving approval from the Planning Authority. This approval effectively legitimised years of illegal construction, highlighting potential regulatory oversights in the process.
Although the Environment and Resources Authority (ERA) had insisted that the ‘illegal’ building should not be given a permit, the Refalos got what they wanted.
And the PN stays mum instead of raising hell lest Bronka family is miffed.
It was high time to go after him.
By the way:
You can rely on our police:
They will never ever do anything against the big shots. Never. Ever.
This abuse is in the Heart and capitol of Mafialand, of course it’s all Mickey Mouse, but WHO is going to do anything about it? L’Aqwa zmien.
The PA has a lot to answer for for completely ruining Malta!
Why does no authority speak out in the face of such abuse.
Why were illegalities sanctioned and not pulled down?
We have seen a village illegally built with Zoo and all … all sanctioned piece by piece
Sanctioning is open to corruption and a bribary because there are no rules
Someone, apparently rightly enough, smelled a stinking rat in all these doings.
What will the investigations uncover and, perhaps more than that, who will pay should any criminal action be determined?
I have an inkling that EU Public Prosecutor Kodruta Kovesi will make a show of this case and press charges. Imma taf ghaliex hux? Ghax din Nazzjonalista.
Mhux għax Nazzjonalista imma ghax korrott Refalo
Spot on
One word MAFIA
No wonder the Labour Party’s only interest during our run-up debate before applying for membership in the EU was how much funds were available to Malta. Our socialist government has totally ignored EU’s fundamental principles of social integration between its member states, peace and prosperity.
Wicc il-yoga ghandhom
that statute of a donkey perfectly represents the Maltese people who continue to vote these PIGS into government!!!
If anyone thinks that someone is going to move a single hair to remove illegalities or take action against any MP or politically exposed person or anyone from any establishment of both parties now or in the future, I tell you don’t hold your breath. Forget it, neither locally nor the EU will lift a finger. They have everyone in their books. If it was myself, would have been arrested and in prison by now
U ejja miskin! It’s good to be the kink!