Chris Cardona Returns To Government As Education Ministry Consultant
Former minister Chris Cardona has made a return to the government as a paid policy consultant within the Education Ministry. Cardona was hired in February on a position-of-trust basis in the ministry’s parliamentary secretariat for youth, research, and innovation, which is headed by Keith Tanti Azzopardi.
According to his contract, obtained and reported by Times of Malta via a freedom of information request, Cardona is expected to work a minimum of 10 hours per week, focusing on youth policy. His remuneration includes a pro-rata salary of around €11,000 annually, a €20,000 expertise allowance, €4,320 in car and expense allowances, and an additional €1,600 communication allowance.
Cardona’s duties, as outlined in the contract, include research and analysis of political, social, and economic trends to anticipate “political shifts”, speech writing, and ensuring compliance with regulations.
The former minister was left out of the cabinet by Prime Minister Robert Abela in 2020 and pressured to resign as Labour’s deputy leader that same year after being named in court in connection with journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia’s murder. The claims linking Cardona to the murder have never been proven, and he has not faced prosecution.
Cardona’s reintegration into the Labour Party reportedly began last year when he was invited to attend the party’s extraordinary general conference in September 2024.
Cardona told Times of Malta:
“These include health and well-being, sustainable resource use in response to climate change, smart manufacturing, maritime technology, aerospace, and future digital technologies,” he said.
“My contribution is to help align policy, private investment, and innovation in order for these sectors not only to generate economic growth, but also to create quality jobs, attract international partnerships, and position Malta as a hub of excellence.
“I draw on my experience in government to bridge the gap between policy-making, business realities, research, and technological change, with a particular focus on sustainability and long-term resilience,” Cardona said.
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