It is evident that the experiment of a lean Cabinet has worked to the satisfaction of Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi. Indeed, he said so yesterday at the swearing-in of new Health Minister Joe Cassar, the only promotion Dr Gonzi decided to make following the resignation of Social Policy Minister John Dalli who is now European Commissioner for Health and Consumer Policy.
The Cabinet remains with nine members, as has been the case for the past two years, but there is one parliamentary secretary fewer because Dr Cassar has not been replaced. Will he? That is, of course, the Prime Minister's call and only time will tell although Dr Gonzi felt he had to point out yesterday there were talented members within the Nationalist parliamentary group who one had to see how they could best contribute in the future.
At the swearing-in ceremony, Dr Gonzi felt he should explain what motivated the changes he made in his Cabinet.
Apart from Dr Cassar's promotion, Dr Gonzi did make some significant decisions. Responsibility for Enemalta and the Water Services Corporation was removed from Infrastructure Minister Austin Gatt and given to Finance Minister Tonio Fenech. Social policy now falls under the umbrella of Education Minister Dolores Cristina and the environment will be handled by Tourism Parliamentary Secretary Mario de Marco who has also been responsible for the planning authority reform.
The Prime Minister basically attributed such decisions to making for better synergy and allowing for more focus on given areas the country must concentrate on, especially in these trying economic times.
One can hardly fault the Prime Minister in this regard. However, there are a few points that ought to be raised.
Dr Gonzi explained that Enemalta and the WSC were moved to the Finance Ministry in order to ensure more synergy in terms of the measures that need to be taken. But is the ministry equipped enough in terms of capacity and skills to take on this added burden? Since there is one parliamentary secretary down, would the Prime Minister consider nominating one to assist the Finance Minister, who has already enough on his plate given the economic woes the country is facing?
The new Ministry of Education, Em-ployment and the Family is also quite a handful, especially since by family affairs one also means the vast social policy portfolio. Mrs Cristina may have experience in this regard, as Dr Gonzi rightly pointed out, but the challenges ahead, especially given the education reform and what needs to be done in terms of social policy, may demand some more thought.
Dr de Marco too has a tall order, what with the taxing Mepa reform, addressing present and future environmental challenges and ensuring that this country's tourism industry remains on track.
The Prime Minister must have surely considered these aspects and so he could perhaps find an occasion soon where he can further expound on his decisions.
The above observations take nothing away from Dr Gonzi's wise handling of the situation. He has transmitted a clear message to all but, especially, to any disgruntled or over-ambitious backbenchers that the decision on who sits on the Cabinet is his prerogative and his alone. As our sister paper, The Sunday Times, said, in making Cabinet appointments Dr Gonzi should solely go on the basis of merit and ability. That is what he has done and all must understand it.
It should now be business as usual.