The Nationalist Party has criticised the government's decision to replace all but three permanent secretaries - the most senior civil servants in each ministry.

"For the first time ever, changes to permanent secretaries have been linked to a change in government. This politicisation of the civil service is an unhealthy development," the PN said.

"The Maltese civil service has long shown itself able to serve different political administrations faithfully, and loyally. Given the increase in the number of ministries, the vacancies in others, as well as the impending retirement of others, there was no need for this aggressive approach by the new Labour administration. Unfortunately, the Labour government has chosen the politicisation of the civil service over the national interest", the PN said.