Forget me, I’m retired Gatt says

Former Infrastructure Minister Austin Gatt has refused to comment about the Government’s claim that the new Parliament building does not have enough space. “Forget me, I’m retired. Happy Easter,” was Dr Gatt’s curt reply when contacted yesterday for a reaction. Dr Gatt, who ran the PN’s election campaign but refrained from contesting, was the minister responsible for the Valletta project, designed by renowned Italian architect Renzo Piano. It emerged yesterday that the incoming Government is reviewing the layout plans of the Renzo Piano Parliament after finding there is not enough space to house the offices of all ministers and parliamentary secretaries. The new Parliament, being built on the former Freedom Square at City Gate, also lacks sufficient space for all parliamentary committees and for a Cabinet meeting. The new government, which has been criticised for having the largest Cabinet in Maltese history, has 14 ministers and eight parliamentary secretaries – and the new building only has space for 16 ministerial offices. There is also concern that the building does not have enough space for all the parliamentary committees and other committees which may be set up in line with...