Minister Denies Nepotism In University Graduate’s New Job
Malta’s justice minister Owen Bonnici has categorically rejected claims of nepotism over his appointment of the environment minister’s daughter as a justice commissioner a mere few months after her graduation from law school.
News of Martina Herrera’s new role sparked online outrage yesterday, with human rights NGO going as far as to accuse Bonnici of “shoving aside core principles of a functioning democracy” and outgoing PN leader Simon Busuttil also weighing in.
However, in response to questions from Lovin Malta, Bonnici dismissed suggestions her appointment was nepotistic and gives off a perception that people with close connections to Labour politicians stand a much higher chance of success than their peers.
“During my tenure as justice minister, relatives of prominent Nationalist Party politicians were appointed or reconfirmed in the post of Justice Commissioner,” he said. “This fact does not give the perception indicated in your questions.”
As a justice commissioner, Herrera will get to preside over local tribunals and rule on traffic and other minor offences. She will keep the job for at least two years, after which she will be eligible for re-appointment. The role comes with an annual salary of €11,165 for presiding over 200 sessions.
After receiving her warrant in February, Herrera started working at her father’s law firm Jose Herrera And Associates. Her profile on the firm’s website is short of detail, simply stating she is Jose Herrera’s daughter, her graduation date and how she is the youngest person to join the firm.
However, Bonnici insisted she is qualified for the role, noting the law doesn’t even require justice commissioners to be lawyers.
“In this case Dr Herrera holds the warrant of a lawyer and works in one of the leading law firms on the island,” he said.