Joseph Muscat has his ministers on edge as he mulls what appears to be a significant Cabinet reshuffle just a year after winning the election.
The Prime Minister’s decision is partly conditioned by two nominations he has to make: the President and Malta’s choice for European Commissioner. With Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca expected to become the next President, Dr Muscat will have a big void to fill at the family and social solidarity ministry.
The ministry will also see the departure of Franco Mercieca, who, sources said, has signalled his preference to further his ophthalmic career. Dr Mercieca is parliamentary secretary for the rights of persons with disability and active ageing at Ms Coleiro Preca’s ministry.
Although replacing Ms Coleiro Preca will not be an easy task, Dr Muscat may have a number of options.
Michael Farrugia, parliamentary secretary for planning at the Office of the Prime Minister, may be considered in her stead. The Naxxar doctor had shadowed the social policy portfolio and was health minister between 1996 and 1998.
Another name that has been touted is that of Civil Liberties Minister Helena Dalli. She may captain a super ministry that includes social solidarity with her current portfolio or else shift completely, leaving another opening in Cabinet.
If Dr Muscat considers the last move, somebody from the backbench may be elevated to Cabinet.
To retain the Gozitan balance, the Prime Minister is likely to appoint Justyne Caruana as parliamentary secretary. She may replace Dr Mercieca even though backbencher Anthony Agius Decelis, who has specialised in geriatric care, may be considered an outsider for the post.
If Dr Farrugia is moved from his current position, his place may be taken by backbench MP and former deputy party leader Michael Falzon.
In his current position as anti-bureaucracy commissioner, Dr Falzon already works under Dr Farrugia’s wing. But sources said the Prime Minister wanted to somehow rope Dr Falzon into Cabinet.
Another change may be in the offing at the Finance Ministry if Dr Muscat decides to nominate Edward Scicluna for the post of European Commissioner.
Prof. Scicluna’s name has been touted for the Brussels post and, although it will come up for grabs after the summer months, anybody replacing him will have to be in place before to ensure a smooth Budget transition.
This could prove to be the hardest post to fill because not many Cabinet members or MPs are suited for the position. Short of retaining the Finance Ministry under his wing, Dr Muscat could opt to shift Parliamentary Secretary Edward Zammit Lewis to finance or entertain the idea of changing Energy Minister Konrad Mizzi’s portfolio.
An outside choice could be former deputy leader Charles Mangion, who is likely to replace Ms Coleiro Preca in the casual-election to fill the vacated seat. Dr Mangion had shadowed the finance portfolio when in Opposition but failed to get elected last time around.
The reshuffle will definitely see the Prime Minister tackle what is possibly the government’s weakest link: the health ministry. If Dr Muscat retains Health Minister Godfrey Farrugia, he is likely to put MP Chris Fearne as parliamentary secretary to give the ministry some oomph.
However, sources have suggested the Prime Minister may relieve Dr Farrugia of his duties and take the portfolio under his wing. Dr Fearne could still be appointed parliamentary secretary for health, answerable to the Prime Minister.
This will likely give the ministry more clout in dealing with unions as the government gears up for delicate reforms in the health sector.
Other changes in the offing may include the elevation of Owen Bonnici to Justice Minister, effectively hiving off the sector from the Office of the Prime Minister and rewarding the hard-working parliamentary secretary.
Foreign Minister George Vella, who had been touted for the post of President, is expected to retain his post.
Dr Muscat may also shift certain portfolios but in a sea of uncertainty that characterises the run-up to any reshuffle one thing is certain: this will be the first time that a major reshuffle is held in an administration’s first year in office.