Talks about the resignation of Finance Minister Edward Scicluna have been circulating, with the Prime Minister’s chief aide Clyde Caruana seemingly poised to take his place. This is yet another move, which may spell further change within the ranks of the Labour party.
Both Clyde Caruana and Miriam Dalli have joined the local parliamentary ranks to fill in the seats of Joseph Muscat and Etienne Grech.
It is believed by many that Edward Scicluna has presented his last Budget programme. He was appointed as Finance Minister back in 2013, when the Labour party was elected under the leadership of former Prime Minister, Joseph Muscat.
At this moment in time, it is still unsure whether Edward Scicluna will resign as minister or from parliament completely. If he resigns from parliament, this will bring to the fore a casual election on the seventh district.
It is stated that sources close to the government have indicated that it is Edward Scicluna’s wish to step down. This follows his testimony in the Caruana Galizia public inquiry and the fact that he has recently turned seventy-four years of age.
His testimony led to some controversy and discussions. Edward Scicluna testified that he was not kept abreast when it came to decisions and projects being handled by Projects Malta. This fell under Konrad Mizzi’s remit. Edward Scicluna’s stand was contradicted by his ministry’s permanent secretary, Alfred Camilleri.
Edward Scicluna will most definitely be remembered for positively contributing to the country’s finances, having overseen a flourishing economy which today stands as one of the best in the European Union. With that said, he has been thrown under the spotlight for signing off a three hundred and forty million Euro deal for the government to guarantee the Electrogas consortium. He was also criticised, for allowing Malta’s financial services regulatory institutions to fail in their fight against money laundering.
Part of Edward Scicluna’s illustrious career includes the fact that he was elected as a Member of the European Parliament in 2009. In 2013 and 2017, he was elected on two districts, in the local general elections.
Clyde Caruana, the candidate being touted to take Edward Scicluna’s place is an economist and served as the head of JobsPlus, the government agency. He was also involved in leading former Prime Minister Joseph Muscat’s economic policy that involved the recruiting of several foreign employees. Between 2006 and 2009, he was the Labour mayor for Zabbar.
It is clear to see that the leadership of the Labour party is spearheading changes, which can only mean that underperforming ministers and parliamentary secretaries may be replaced.
