The departure of Michael Falzon from the Cabinet today was the sixth since the government of Prime Minister Joseph Muscat was installed in 2013.

Four ministers and two parliamentary secretaries have now resigned or been dismissed for various reasons.

Social Policy Minister Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca resigned in order to become President.

Health Minister Godfrey Farrugia resigned after disagreement with the prime minister.

Home Affairs Minister Manuel Mallia was dismissed over attempts by his ministry to cover up a shooting incident in which his driver was involved.

Tourism Minister Karmenu Vella resigned in order to become European Commissioner.

Parliamentary Secretary Franco Mercieca resigned over complaints of conflict of interest when he continued to perform ophthalmic operations.

As a result of those departures, Parliamentary Secretary Michael Farrugia was promoted minister and replaced Ms Coleiro Preca in social policy while Michael Falzon was made Parliamentary Secretary for planning instead of Dr Farrugia.

Chris Fearne was appointed parliamentary Secretary of Health, sharing responsibilities with Konrad Mizzi, who was made Minister of Energy and Health.

Parliamentary Secretary Edward Zammit Lewis was promoted minister and took over from Karmenu Vella at the tourism ministry.

Justyne Caruana was made parliamentary secretary, taking over from Franco Mericea as parliamentary secretary responsible for care of the elderly.

Carmelo Abela succeeded Manuel Mallia at the Home Affairs Ministry.

Chris Agius was made parliamentary secretary for sports as Parliamentary Secretary Stefan Buontempo moved to the justice ministry to take over responsibility for local councils.

Earlier Owen Bonnici had been made minister of Justice, taking over the portfolio from Manuel Mallia who had been minister of home affairs and justice.