Robert Abela’s choices
ACabinet reshuffle always brings about some controversy. Not least among the ministers, some of whom will be disappointed with the changes, while others see the move as a step forward in their political career.
Prime Minister Robert Abela chose the day of the Epiphany to hold a series of one-to-one meetings with most of his MPs, in which he told them about his plans and expectations. Some were called up but were not given a position on the Cabinet.
It was a closely-guarded secret that Abela was to change his line-up. Usually, something does filter through to the media when a Cabinet reshuffle is in the making. In this particular case, it was only on the day in question that it became known that something was brewing as ministers and parliamentary secretaries started being called to Castille. For most of the ministers involved, it was something they were not expecting.
The meetings ended late in the afternoon and, soon afterwards, a statement was issued by the Department of Information, listing the new Cabinet and the changed responsibilities.
It was not a cosmetic change, as the Nationalist Party said afterwards. It was an extensive one which saw half the Cabinet involved in a shift, one way or the other. It’s true that only one minister was axed, but many others, as from Saturday, saw their portfolio either widened or restricted, or else had their responsibilities altered.
Some say Abela chose the best moment to carry out the changes. We are nearing the end of the second year of this legislature but, perhaps more importantly, getting close to an electoral test via the European Parliament and local council elections. Abela wanted to shake up his team to give it enough time to settle down and start bearing fruit before Malta goes to the polls.
Time will tell whether these changes prove him right.
The appointment of Chris Fearne as Malta’s new European Commissioner was not a surprise – his relinquishing of the massive health portfolio to take on the less delicate portfolio incorporating European Funds, Social Dialogue and Consumer Protection will give the deputy PM a better chance to prepare himself for his move to Brussels. Fearne’s replacement with Jo Etienne Abela was also the most logical step.
What was a surprise was the axing of Aaron Farrugia from the Cabinet. Farrugia has held top positions; first with responsibilities for the environment and, more recently, transport and infrastructure. His total elimination is a blow to his aspirations. It is easy to think that Abela was not happy with his performance. Then again, his demotion to the backbench could be related to something we do not know about… yet.
What was also noticed that an already massive government – with a record number of ministers and parliamentary secretaries – has now grown even more. This will inevitably increase the costs of running the country.