Edward Scicluna has stepped aside as Central Bank Governor by “mutual agreement” following a lengthy cabinet meeting that took place yesterday.

Prime Minister Robert Abela confirmed Scicluna will keep his salary during this “temporary” step back and that his employment terms will remain the same.

Scicluna faces criminal charges of fraud and misappropriation related to the Vitals-Steward inquiry, to which he has pleaded not guilty.

Deputy governor Alexander Demarco will assume the role at the Central Bank for the time being.

Abela stated that Scicluna should step down, similar to co-accused Chris Fearne and former permanent secretary Ronald Scicluna, who resigned from their roles.

Scicluna was recently removed from the Malta Financial Services Authority board. Opposition leader Bernard Grech criticised the government’s handling of the matter and urged parliament to discuss Scicluna’s future.

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