Several MPs summoned by PM to Castille as Cabinet being formed

Speculation on the ministerial appointments that Prime Minister Robert Abela has in mind is making the rounds after several MPs were summoned to Castille this morning and afternoon.

All MPs who were called up did not give any hint of what they discussed with the Prime Minister, many of them saying that the appointments will be made public later.

But there is already talk of some changes within Abela’s team, most notably regarding his deputy Ian Borg, his former deputy Chris Fearne, and MPs such as Jonathan Attard, Chris Bonett, Clint Camilleri and Byron Camilleri. The latter could be our next Education Minister, having made it clear that he wants to shed resposibility of Home Affairs, likely to fall on Glenn Bedingfield’s lap.

Ian Borg was not among those seen at Castille this morning, but it is understood that he held a meeting with the Prime Minister last night. He is being touted as the next health minister while Caruana will retain his place as Finance Minister.

Others who were not seen entering the Prime Minister’s office between 9am and 3.30pm, when the meetings came to a close, were Jo Etienne Abela and Anton Refalo, both of them elected from Gozo. This does not mean that they have not been considered for the job,as Jo-Etienne Abela is being mentioned as a possible Tourism Minister.

A number of parliamentary secretaries, including Alison Zerafa Civelli, Glenn Bedingfield and Keith Azzopardi Tanti are being touted as getting a promotion to minister. Azzopardi Tanti’s Wikipedia page was stealthily updated to list him as Minister for EU Funds in the afternoon.

Former Ministers Chris Fearne and Clyde Caruana were the first to be summoned to Castille this morning.

Both Fearne and Caruana were tight-lipped when they walked out a few minutes later, although it was clear from their mannerisms that they were happy with what they were told.

Speaking to journalists, Fearne said that one has to wait for official communication later on. Asked whether he was happy with what he was offered, Fearne said he was happy with Labour’s win in the election.

A beaming Caruana said that there was no much to discuss. “We agreed,” he said, indicating that he will likely retain his post as Finance Minister.

Byron Camilleri, as he was leaving the PM’s office, said that he was happy with what he will be tasked to do, without giving further details.

Other MPs who were called in by Abela were Silvio Schembri, Glenn Bedingfield, Carmelo Abela and Jonathan Attard. None of them gave comments, except for Bedingfield who said he would do what the PM wished. On his way out, Bedingfield said that any decisions will be made public by the Prime Minister as is the practice.

Later Malcolm Paul Agius Galea, Alison Zerafa Civelli and Clint Camilleri were also seen walking up the Castille steps. Zerafa Civelli said that it is up to the Prime Minister to decide the way forward. On her way out, Zerafa Civelli said she was happy with what the Prime Minister has decided for her. She said that it is up to the Prime Minister to decide for the country.

Other former ministers, Michael Falzon and Julia Farrugia, were also summoned to Castille. Several of those who made their way in are still to leave the PM’s office. Falzon told the media to wait for the official decision while Farrugia thanked the Prime Minister for the confidence he showed in her.

Omar Farrugia, who served as Parliamentary Secretary for Public Works in the last legislature, was also summoned to Castille. Just a few minutes later, former Minister Miriam Dalli was seen entering Castille. She told the media that it is the Prime Minister’s prerogative on decisions on his Cabinet. 

Former Ministers Clifton Grima, Owen Bonnici and Chris Bonett were called to Castille just before 1pm, as was former parliamentary secretary Keith Azzopardi Tanti. Rosianne Cutajar was also summoned to the OPM.

Leaving Castille, Bonnici said he is happy to be serving the country again as he has been doing since 2013. It is the greatest honour one can get to serve one’s country, he said.

The Labour Party was elected for a fourth consecutive term with Abela now making his choices for his team, although other candidates still need to be elected through casual elections or the gender mechanism process.

No official announcements have yet been made, the Prime Minister is expected to hold a series of discussions with elected MPs before unveiling the composition of the government that will lead the country during the next legislature.

It is still too early to say whether the official announcement of the new Cabinet will be made today.

More soon

 

 

 

RSS Feed Source: Independent Malta Several MPs summoned by PM to Castille as Cabinet being formed