Austin Gatt loses Enemalta, Water Services Corporation from portfolio
Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi has opted not to change any faces to his Executive, and a much awaited reshuffle turned out to be a mere shuffling of chairs, with Joe Cassar landing himself with a ministerial portfolio rather than his previous parliamentary secretary assignment.
Joe Cassar, who has recently headed a national campaign on the impending health sector reforms will as from today occupy Palazzo Castellania in Valletta as the new Minister for Health, a post that had not been included in the new Gonzi legislature following the 2008 elections.
The health ministry was incorporated inside the mega ministry assigned to John Dalli who last night resigned his post, given his appointment as EU Commissioner for Health and Consumer Policy in the new College of Commissioners headed by President Jose’ Barroso.
Under his portfolio, Joe Cassar will be responsible for health and care of the elderly.
Other changes announced last night were that of Mario de Marco, Chris Said and Jason Azzopardi who although retained their posts as Parliamentary Secretaries, had their portfolio’s increased with further responsibilities.
Mario de Marco, was given responsibity for the environment and culture, further to his already full plate with Mepa and tourism.
Gozitan Chris Said has been assigned consumer affairs and fair competition along with local government and public dialogue.
Parliamentary Secretary Jason Azzopardi retains responsibility for lands department, but has also become responsible for the self-employed and small businesses.
Other changes include the responsibilities of Dolores Cristina who has retained her post as Minister of Education, but has also been given responsibility for employment and family affairs, which were previously under the Ministry of Social Policy.
The biggest surprise, and perhaps the move that will certainly stir speculation in the days to come regards changes to the ‘super-ministry’ created in 2008 by Lawrence Gonzi for Valletta heavy-weight Austin Gatt who unexpectedly saw his responsibilities for Enemalta and the Water Services Corporation transferred to Finance and Economic Affairs Minister Tonio Fenech.
Gozo Minister Giovanna Debono, who last night was seen entering Castille for talks with the Prime Minister, has retained her post.
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