Social Policy Minister designate Michael Farrugia clarified this morning that President Marie Louise Coleiro-Preca would have a consultative role about social policy matters but she would not be responsible for executive decisions.

When naming Ms Coleiro-Preca Malta’s ninth President, Prime Minister Joseph Muscat had said she would stand out for her social agenda.

He said she would remain in charge of the national strategy against poverty and retain responsibility for a host of commissions that currently fell within her remit.

Asked whether he had expected to be moved from planning, Dr Farrugia said the Prime Minister had the prerogative to change the players even if they were performing

He said he shadowed social policy for some nine years and was looking forward to work with the new President.

Asked whether there would be any policy changes regarding planning, he said this would not be the case and all initiatives undertaken during his one year term would be continued by his successor.

Robert Musumeci would also remain planning consultant.