Former Labour CEO James Piscopo was handpicked to head Transport Malta to “execute government policy and fix shortcomings of the previous administration”, a Government spokesman said yesterday.

Mr Piscopo’s direct appointment as both chairman and CEO of the transport regulator stands in contrast to the Government’s professed enthusiasm for open, transparent recruitment procedures.

A Government spokesman did not directly answer questions concerning this apparent contradiction but hinted that high-ranking appointments were the result of a balancing act between transparency and efficiency.

“Every appointment will be given due consideration and will need to be in line with the Government’s vision to act in a transparent manner and in the most efficient way to deliver on the Government’s plans,” the spokesman said.

“Transport is considered a major area which needs reform and Mr Piscopo is in a position to implement Government’s policy in the sector”.

Mr Piscopo’s dual role as both CEO and chairman was not unheard of, the spokesman argued.

“There are precedents in public service for the incorporation of executive powers in chairmanship in the context of other entities,” they said, although they did not cite any. His salary will be made public once his appointment has been confirmed.

A follow-up question asking what was the point of having transparent recruitment procedures if the Government only abided by them when it suited it to do so was not answered at the time of writing.