The nomination of Social Policy Minister John Dalli as European commissioner will not lead to any major Cabinet reshuffle because the country needed stability in this economic crisis, Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi said.
"Whoever is saying there will be some reshuffle or earthquake is wrong," he said in his first comments to the media since Cabinet's nomination of Mr Dalli on Monday.
"My aim is to keep the government focused, stable and energetic to implement the electoral programme, face challenges and seize opportunities."
The government ended weeks of speculation on Monday night when it announced the decision to appoint Mr Dalli as commissioner to succeed Joe Borg, who served as Fisheries Commissioner for the last five years.
Dr Gonzi said he "greatly appreciated" Dr Borg's work but felt a change was needed.
He said three people had been considered for the post: former Foreign Affairs Minister Michael Frendo, who was a man of experience; Malta's Permanent Representative in the EU, Richard Cachia Caruana, who was fulfilling an important role in Brussels and with the Maltese government; and Mr Dalli, who had expressed his interest to take on the role of commissioner five years ago.
After taking everything into consideration and consulting the Cabinet, Dr Gonzi said he had decided to nominate Mr Dalli who had vast experience in a range of areas including finance, the economy, social policy and health.
Dr Gonzi denied Mr Dalli had been "kicked upstairs", as has been theorised given the sort of relationship known to have existed between the two, notably in the wake of the leadership race and Mr Dalli's "forced resignation".
"Who makes this type of comment wants to keep twisting the political scenario... Mr Dalli greatly contributed to the country throughout the years and has proven his competence throughout his career."
As for who will take on Mr Dalli's ministerial responsibilities, the Prime Minister said it was too early to say. Before this was decided, Commission President José Manuel Barroso had to allocate the portfolios that required the approval of the European Parliament.
Mr Dalli, 61, met Mr Barroso in Brussels last week when his pending nomination was discussed. He is expected to move to Brussels in January and, till then, will carry on as Social Policy Minister. Any government projects he started would go on as planned, Dr Gonzi said.
The head of the European Parliament Office in Malta, Julian Vassallo, congratulated Mr Dalli on his nomination.
"After his hearing and appointment by the European Parliament in January, he will not represent his country but can bring to the table of commissioners an understanding of the realities and aspirations of the Maltese to be factored in all new legislation. His vast political experience should make it easy for him to do just that," Dr Vassallo said.