Joseph Muscat Announces New Cabinet
Addressing a press conference earlier today, Prime Minister Joseph Muscat has revealed who will be serving in his cabinet during the upcoming legislature. The number of ministries will drop from 17 to 15 but there will be an increase in Parliamentary Secretaries.
Joe Mizzi will be responsible for energy and water while Helena Dalli will retain her position as minister for equality, but will also be the minister responsible for European affairs. Konrad Mizzi has also secured a position in the cabinet as the minister for tourism and Air Malta, while Carmelo Abela will take over foreign affairs and trade.
Owen Bonnici will retain his portfolio (justice and culture), as will Chris Fearne (health), Jose Herrera (environment) and Edward Scicluna (finance). Transport and infrastructure are set to fall under a newly-promoted Ian Borg, Chris Cardona will be responsible for the economy and small businesses, Justyne Caruana will be Gozo Minister and Michael Falzon will take over the Ministry for Family and Social Solidarity.
Keith Schembri will also be staying on as the Prime Minister’s Chief of Staff.
Asked about previous cabinet members Deborah Schembri and Edward Zammit Lewis who are still not confirmed as MPs after last Saturday’s election, the Prime Minister explained that even though they are close personal friends, he cannot simply hold places for them as work needs to get started from day one.
The first cabinet meeting is set to take place on Tuesday.