Repubblika criticises Cabinet appointments of Chris Fearne and Rosianne Cutajar

NGO Repubblika has criticised Prime Minister Robert Abela’s decision to appoint Chris Fearne and Rosianne Cutajar to Cabinet positions, arguing that the circumstances which led to their previous resignations from government remain unchanged.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, Repubblika said the appointments raise serious questions about ministerial accountability, ethical standards, and respect for the rule of law.

Chris Fearne resigned as Deputy Prime Minister in May 2024 after being charged in court with fraud-related offences connected to the Vitals hospitals inquiry. At the time, his resignation was presented as recognition of the principle that a government minister should not continue exercising public authority while facing criminal charges related to the exercise of public office.

Rosianne Cutajar resigned from government in 2023 following findings by the Commissioner for Standards in Public Life regarding her conduct and amid concerns over her links to individuals associated with major corruption scandals.

According to Repubblika, the Prime Minister had then accepted that her position in government was incompatible with the standards expected of a Cabinet member.

The NGO argued that the principles underpinning those resignations remain valid today.

Repubblika acknowledged that Fearne is presumed innocent until proven guilty by a court of law.

However, it noted that the criminal proceedings against him remain ongoing and have not been withdrawn. The organisation said that, since state institutions continue to maintain that sufficient grounds exist for prosecution, the reasons that led to his resignation have not disappeared.

Similarly, Repubblika said the ethical concerns that resulted in Cutajar’s resignation have not been resolved merely through the passage of time. It argued that the findings which prompted her departure from government have neither been overturned nor discredited and that no new developments have emerged to justify her return to Cabinet.

Repubblika also rejected suggestions that the pair’s election to Parliament alters the situation, noting that while Members of Parliament are elected by voters, ministers are appointed solely at the Prime Minister’s discretion.

According to Repubblika, electoral success cannot be used to justify the appointments if the circumstances that previously made their positions in government untenable remain unresolved.

The group expressed particular concern over Fearne’s appointment while criminal proceedings are still pending.

It argued that reinstating him to ministerial office before the conclusion of the court case risks creating the perception that the government has already reached its own conclusions regarding a matter still before the judiciary.

Repubblika further warned that the implications extend beyond Fearne’s case, noting that he is charged alongside several former senior public officials.

The organisation said treating the charges against Fearne as politically irrelevant could encourage the public to view the wider proceedings as lacking significance or as effectively predetermined.

Describing the issue as a broader test of Malta’s commitment to democratic accountability, Repubblika argued that allowing ministers to serve while serious questions remain regarding criminal responsibility or ethical conduct, risks normalising situations that should be regarded as exceptional.

The organisation concluded that the appointments suggest political loyalty continues to take precedence over respect for institutions responsible for justice and accountability.

It said the episode demonstrates ongoing weaknesses in Malta’s rule-of-law culture and called for greater respect for the independence and authority of institutions tasked with enforcing the law and safeguarding ethical standards in public life.

RSS Feed Source: Independent Malta Repubblika criticises Cabinet appointments of Chris Fearne and Rosianne Cutajar