Another day, another malicious hit job — this time against Joseph Portelli.
Joe Portelli
Another day, another malicious hit job by The Shift — this time aimed at Joseph Portelli and his associates.
Once again, this so-called “investigative newsroom” is not investigating — it’s prosecuting.
Their latest “scoop”?
That Excel Housing Ltd, a private company, rented several blocks of apartments to the Housing Authority for use as social housing.
Yes, you read that right — a legitimate business transaction between a property developer and the state, reported in a tone of scandal and conspiracy.
A LEGITIMATE DEAL TURNED INTO A WITCH-HUNT
The Shift describes with mock outrage that five apartment blocks — four in Gozo, one in Gżira — were leased to the government to house families in need.
Apparently, in their twisted logic, helping the government expand social housing is now a crime… if your name happens to be Joseph Portelli.
They even go as far as implying that Maltese families are being “forced” to live in Gozo — an absurd, theatrical claim that insults both the tenants and the Gozitan communities welcoming them.
THE SHIFT’S AGENDA IS CLEAR
The Shift’s pattern is now too obvious to ignore:
- Attack any entrepreneur even remotely linked to the Labour movement.
- Paint every government initiative as “corrupt”.
- Pretend to be defenders of transparency while hiding their own political motives and funding sources.
They cannot accept that people who support Labour can also be successful, competent, and law-abiding citizens.
To them, any businessperson who once shook hands with a Labour minister becomes public enemy number one.
WHEN JOURNALISM TURNS INTO PERSECUTION
What The Shift practices is not journalism — it’s political warfare disguised as reporting.
It doesn’t investigate — it persecutes.
It doesn’t inform — it manipulates.
It doesn’t seek truth — it manufactures outrage.
When journalists turn themselves into judge, jury, and executioner, they don’t protect democracy — they poison it.
They corrode public trust, not by exposing corruption, but by fabricating it.
Caroline Muscat
MALTA DESERVES BETTER
Malta deserves a media that values facts over vendettas.
It deserves reporting, not propaganda.
It deserves scrutiny, not sanctimony.
The Shift can continue its crusade against everyone who ever voted Labour — but the people have learned to see through their hypocrisy.
Because in the end, truth doesn’t need spin.
And the truth here is simple:
Joseph Portelli entered into legal, transparent agreements with the Housing Authority — full stop.
Everything else is noise from a newsroom obsessed with destroying reputations it can never match.
