Franco Mercieca.The Parliamentary Secretary for the Elderly, Franco Mercieca, said yesterday he planned to remain in office until the Prime Minister decided otherwise.
Sources said Dr Mercieca has signalled to Joseph Muscat his intention to return to his private practice but would wait until a Cabinet reshuffle rather than resigning.
When asked about press reports that he planned to resign to return to his lucrative private practice, Dr Mercieca acknowledged there was “an issue”, adding the press would be duly informed if there was any information to give them.
The Gozitan eye surgeon also refused to say whether he had discussed the matter with Dr Muscat, adding that the issue was “not important”.
“That is between the two of us. These things are his prerogative and I will follow his instructions,” he said curtly.
MaltaToday has reported that Dr Mercieca is expected to resign. Yesterday he insisted he had a good relationship with Dr Muscat. “The papers said I will not contest the next election. I will not only contest but I will also try to get more votes.
“My position is that I am the parliamentary secretary for the elderly and I will keep doing that work as long as the Prime Minister wishes,” he said.
The MP, elected to Parliament for the first time in March, had been given a special “waiver” by Dr Muscat to keep working in the private sector. The waiver was later revoked but he is still allowed to work for the national health service without remuneration.
The code of ethics for ministers and parliamentary secretaries lays down that a minister is expected not to continue with his private work and should devote his whole time to his official duties.
Dr Mercieca yesterday launched a unit to oversee the implementation of the recommendations of the national strategy for active ageing.
The strategy, covering 2014 to 2020, aims to implement initiatives for people to remain active after their retirement. These include a lifelong learning scheme and programmes to encourage employers to give jobs to older people.