Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1312765
7 maltatoday | WEDNESDAY • 25 NOVEMBER 2020 NEWS about Abela's frame of mind hancing the present's government com- mitment on themes like the gender pay gap and its drive against discrimination in the provision of services through the proposed equality bill. Aaron Farrugia's environmental port- folio has been strengthened with the addition of construction Despite misgivings among the devel- opers' lobby, Aaron Farrugia has not only retained planning and the envi- ronment but has also taken construc- tion regulations under his wing. Over the past year Farrugia has reshuffled planning boards removing controver- sial figures like Elizabeth Ellul, and has commenced the reform of the PA's con- troversial rural policy. Although in the absence of new local plans Farrugia is powerless to stop the onslaught of development which is still wrecking our towns and villages, his ap- pointment has tilted the balance away from the pro development bias of the Muscat administration. Julia Farrugia and Owen Bonnici have been given a second chance to prove themselves in new ministries Both Farrugia-Portelli and Bonnici have been removed from high-profile and strategic ministries (Tourism and Education) and given responsibility over important but not easily identifi- able sectors, namely quality of life now in the hands of Farrugia-Portelli, and the post COVID-19 strategy now in the hands of Bonnici. One may easily in- terpret this move as a demotion, in the case of Bonnici for his bungled handling of the re-opening of schools and in Far- rugia's case for permits for hotel parties held in July which were partly responsi- ble for a spike in cases. Bonnici has redeemed himself by the absence of any child-to-child COVID-19 transmission, but delays in the transi- tion and disagreements with teachers' unions had created uncertainty. On her part Farrugia-Portelli's linguistic slips, turned into memes by merciless critics, did not help in alleviating public anxie- ties even if she was implementing what was essentially a collective decision. Being more in line with Farru- gia-Portelli's sensitivities and social consciousness, the quality of life and inclusion portfolios could prove a re- bound for the hard-working minister, who will probably feel more at home addressing social issues than dealing with the fat cats in the tourism industry. Bonnici's post COVID-19 strategy portfolio may actually represent an even greater challenge and much de- pends on his ability to coordinate strat- egies involving different ministries. The elevation of research and innovation to a separate ministry is positive but de- pends on how much funds are allocated in this sector. Clayton Bartolo, who as the govern- ment's representative on the PA board had voted for the DB's city centre in Pembroke, will now have to prove his independence from a powerful lobby in reshaping post COVID-19 tourism at a time when sustainability and quality of life have become government buzz words. Abela is banking on Miriam Dalli and Clyde Caruana giving new impetus to the government Abela's cabinet has lost the gravitas of Finance Minister Edward Scicluna but may have gained the greater dyna- mism of Clyde Caruana, an unassuming technocrat who will also be taking over employment. Caruana, who as the main architect of Labour's employment pol- icies, opened up the labour market to foreign workers, suggests that despite his 'full up' rants, Abela has endorsed the economic model of his predecessor which depends on the importation of foreign workers. Former Labour MEP Miriam Dalli also brings her dose of dynamism, by taking over as minister for energy from Mi- chael Farrugia, along with enterprise and sustainable development. It remains to be seen how Dalli's sus- tainable development portfolio will re- late to the quality of life one under Julia Farrugia. It would be a great disservice if this nomenclature were simply in- tended to embellish ministerial nomen- clature. In the energy sector, one of the main challenges for Dalli will be preparing for the expiry of the five-year fixed price agreement for the buying of LNG from Electrogas in 2022. Moreover, increased scrutiny over Electrogas will also test the new minister's good governance credentials. Dalli's green credentials will also be tested in her commitment for renew- able energy strengthened by her Euro- pean credentials in pushing for cleaner energy in transport at continental level. Clyde Caruana (above left) replaces Edward Scicluna as Finance Minister, with the added responsibility for employment, while Justyne Caruana (right) rejoins Cabinet as Education Minister