Former parliamentary secretary Franco Mercieca to attempt political comeback
He served as parliamentary secretary but resigned amid controversy about continuing to practice while holding a government post
Former parliamentary secretary Franco Mercieca announced a political comeback on Tuesday, telling a Labour Party rally in Zejtun that he had accepted an invitation by the prime minister to become an election candidate.
Mercieca, a Gozitan eye surgeon, was elected at his first attempt in 2013 and served as parliamentary secretary for care of the elderly. But he resigned the post in 2014 amid controversy over whether he could continue to practice while holding government office.
He had, for a time, been given a special “waiver” by then Prime Minister Joseph Muscat to keep working in the private sector. The waiver was later revoked but he was still allowed to work for the national health service without remuneration. He eventually stood down.
The code of ethics for ministers and parliamentary secretaries laid down that a minister was expected not to continue with his private work and should devote his whole time to his official duties.
Mercieca had stayed on as an MP but did not seek re-election in 2017 and 2022. Rather than Gozo, he will now be a candidate on the 12th district.
All three of the Labour candidates elected from Gozo in 2022 are ministers and all are seeking re-election. They are Clint Camilleri, Anton Refalo and JoEtienne Abela.