High-ranking army officers are seeking redress after they felt aggrieved by the recent promotions, this newspaper has learnt.
A National Security Ministry spokeswoman confirmed that a number of complaints were made to the outgoing commander of the Armed Forces of Malta, Brigadier Martin Xuereb, according to procedure.
Though no further details were given, sources said that at least 12 complaints had been submitted by yesterday.
Four majors were promoted twice in the space of a fortnight
The promotions sparked controversy due to the fact that four majors were promoted twice in the space of a fortnight and leapfrogged to the second highest rank in the army, a colonel.
Explosives expert Jeffrey Curmi, one of the four majors, was subsequently appointed deputy commander and is expected to succeed Brig. Xuereb who recently announced his decision to retire after 26 years of service.
The Government has announced that Brig. Xuereb will become Malta’s head coordinator of security and defence in Brussels.
The Armed Forces Act states says that every member or officer who feels aggrieved by any decision in his regard, may seek redress by filing a formal complaint to the commander. If they are not satisfied, they have the option to refer the case to the Ombudsman or, in the case of army officers, there is the extra option of referring the matter to the President of Malta.
In addition, army members may also file a case in the Civil Court.
The Nationalist Party has accused the Government of replacing the top army officers with Labour sympathisers and, on October 3, it also filed a judicial protest arguing that the promotions were illegal.
It said the promotions approved by the National Security Minister lacked the commander’s recommendation, as requested by law.
The National Defence Ministry spokeswoman referred to a 2002 report by the Ombudsman criticising the promotion process that was adopted by the previous Administration.
She said that, during the recent promotions process, the ministry took tangible precautions to avoid a repeat of what had happened then.