Ex-PM’s car repairs cost more than €58k

Former Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi’s official car, a BMW 7 Series, cost nearly €60,000 in repairs and replacement cars, Times of Malta has learnt. The five-metre black saloon was bought in November 2003 (one year before Dr Gonzi became Prime Minister) for €62,254. However, it accumulated so many bills over the years that it doubled its price tag, ending up costing the State a total of €120,371 – excluding fuel costs. Between 2007 and 2012, the Government spent €36,335 on repairs and €21,782 on renting out replacement cars while the BMW was being repaired, a total of €58,117. Prime Minister Joseph Muscat was recently criticised for keeping his private car, an Alfa 159, for official use and claiming an annual allowance for it of €7,000 – as he did as Opposition leader. Meanwhile, the former Prime Minister’s official car remains garaged because it is considered too costly to use. The serious problems with Dr Gonzi’s car seem to have started in 2008, according to the Government’s records. In 2010 alone, the Government spent €12,958 on repairs. During the same year, a replacement car had to be sourced nine times, costing a total of €6,806. Muscat Motors benefited most from the car’s...