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5 maltatoday | WEDNESDAY • 20 JANUARY 2021 NEWS 'Too far' Snubbed MPs storm out of meeting with PN leader CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 But this first exercise has ruf- fled feathers inside the parlia- mentary group and outside it. Sources close to the PN said that Spiteri was given the re- sponsibility of primary health- care and mental health, effec- tively demoting him. "The situation remains fluid and it has to be seen whether Bernard Grech will backtrack on some of his decisions to pla- cate the discontent," the sourc- es said. MaltaToday understands that yesterday evening Grech was mulling the option of retaining Spiteri on the health portfolio and giving Claudio Grech the responsibility to shadow pub- lic finances. If this move mate- rialises, former deputy leader Mario de Marco, who shad- owed finance, will be tasked to oversee the foreign and Euro- pean affairs portfolio. But the PN leader's problems were further compounded by his decision to remove the tourism portfolio from deputy leader Robert Arrigo's hands. MaltaToday understands that Arrigo was incensed by the decision and refused any other portfolio. Sources said that Arrigo's anger was further fuelled by the fact that it was newly-appointed PN employ- ee Ray Bezzina who, sitting beside Grech, communicated the news. Bezzina was an aide to former PN minister George Pullicino, a rival of Arrigo on the 10th District. A similar situation concerns Mario Galea, who is under- stood to have refused to shad- ow only animal rights after mental health was pulled out of his responsibility. Sources said that David Thake emerged from his meet- ing with Grech "very livid" af- ter he was asked to shadow research and development and the post-COVID strategy in- stead of the all-important envi- ronment. Thake's demotion appears to be fuelled by allegations that he was trying to undermine Grech, according to the sources. Therese Comodini Cachia was also left smarting and has so far declined to accept the portfolio given to her after Grech clipped her responsibil- ities. She previously shadowed na- tional heritage, the arts, culture and media, but sources said Grech asked her to shadow on- ly the media. Comodini Cachia had stepped aside from contesting the lead- ership contest last summer in a move that ensured Grech was the only candidate to take on Adrian Delia. "Demoting Ther- ese in such a way was a step too far after what she did to en- sure he became leader," party sources said. Another radical change ap- pears to be Jason Azzopardi's removal from the justice port- folio to be given responsibility for work, Malta Enterprise and industrial relations. Sources have spoken of ma- jor disquiet within the parlia- mentary group, acknowledging that the upheaval has left many confused. Amongst those considered the biggest winners are Her- mann Schiavone, who will now shadow capital projects and planning. He previously was responsible for the catering in- dustry, recreation, consumer protection and public cleanli- ness. Schiavone's new portfolio was previously shadowed by Toni Bezzina, who is understood to be angry at the move that gives his 5th District rival more vis- ibility. Kristy Debono will be the spokesperson for the economy, a portfolio she partially shad- owed in her previous role. Sources said Claudette Butt- igieg will move from equal rights to social policy, while Chris Said is expected to retain responsibility for Gozo. Joe Ellis, who was elected to parliament in a casual election last year, will be responsible for good governance and constitu- tional reform, a portfolio pre- viously held by Karol Aquilina. Aquilina is understood to have been assigned the justice portfolio instead. Karl Gouder will shadow lo- cal councils, while PN deputy leader David Agius is expect- ed to have his previous social solidarity portfolio clipped and will now be responsible for per- sons with disability. Among those who appear to be hanging on to their previous portfolios are Beppe Fenech Adami, who retains home af- fairs, Ryan Callus, who shad- ows energy, and Ivan Bartolo, who is responsible for social accommodation and the fight against poverty. Carm Mifsud Bonnici is likely to shadow culture and national heritage, while Clyde Puli will oversee sports and youth. Bernard Grech From left: Robert Arrigo, Mario Galea and Therese Comodini Cachia will have no responsibility in the new shadow Cabinet unless Grech bactracks on his decision to strip their of their portfolio