‘Change Was Needed’: Robert Abela Addresses Aaron Farrugia’s Sacking As Minister
Robert Abela has insisted that demoting Aaron Farrugia from Transport Minister to Member of Parliament was merely a part of the party’s regeneration process, and not a slap on the wrist.
According to the Prime Minister, just because there are changes in Cabinet from time to time, does not imply that the particular politician is doing a bad job.
“A Prime Minister must always ensure that there is change, because if there is no regeneration, the party becomes stagnant,” Abela said in a video posted to his Facebook.
After the swearing-in of the new Cabinet members, Abela spoke highly of Farrugia, saying that the former minister was “born into the Labour Party” and has always dedicated his efforts to its cause.
The Prime Minister said that during his many Cabinet positions, Farrugia “did his job to the best of his abilities”.
“My judgement may not necessarily be perfect, but it is in line with the public interest, and I felt that some changes were needed,” Abela continued.
Yesterday, Aaron Farrugia broke his silence after he was sacked as Transport Minister and demoted to Member of Parliament.
“Now that my function as a Minister has come to a close, I must admit that I am very proud that in both my strengths and weaknesses, I served the country as a Minister in the best way I could,” Farrugia wrote in a Facebook statement.
“I humbly accept the Prime Minister’s decision, and commit myself to keep serving the country as a Member of Parliament.”
Farrugia congratulated his colleagues, “particularly the hon. Chris Bonnett, whom I have no doubt will undertake the role with the greatest competence”.
Robert Abela has announced that Chris Bonnett will be replacing Aaron Farrugia as Minister for Transport, Infrastructure and Public Works.
“My work in Parliament continues,” Farrugia wrote, a statement which was met with criticism from Prof. Andrew Azzopardi, Dean of the Faculty for Social Wellbeing.
“I can never understand how a Member of Parliament of a particular party congratulates and thanks those who beat them and most probably ruined their political career,” Azzopardi wrote, describing this practice as “pathetic, whereby the politician lowers his dignity and political relevance”.
What do you make of this?
READ NEXT: Watch: Ħamrun’s Late Winner Gives Bayer Leverkusen Honour As Europe’s Last Undefeated European Team
