Times Talk: Is Robert Abela’s new cabinet a move to fracture PN?

Prime Minister Robert Abela’s newly announced cabinet could be a calculated strategic move designed to trigger internal warfare within a newly unified Nationalist Party, according to political analyst and former party official Pierre Portelli.

Speaking on the latest episode of Times Talk following last weekend’s general election, Portelli said the choice of at least two ministers may be less about governance and more about testing the PN’s newfound unity.

“Take Glenn Bedingfield’s appointment. It feels like Abela has appointed a hardliner to rally certain elements of the PN, like civil society, and recreate internal rifts,” he said.

“One other thing that often divides the PN is liberal reforms and civil liberties, such as abortion and euthanasia. And it feels like Rosianne Cutajar’s appointment might create these waves that will divide the PN within itself.”

Portelli was analysing last weekend’s election results alongside political analyst Robert Musumeci, who admitted he had not viewed the reshuffle through that lens but doubted Abela was acting on those motives.

Abela’s job is to win, Portelli rebutted, and he has proven to be good at it.

“When he took over a government mired in scandal, he managed to turn it around. When he took a hit in the MEP elections, he managed to turn it around,” Portelli observed.

“All I’m saying is he knows how to do it.”

Musumeci defended Bedingfield’s appointment to the sensitive Home Affairs Ministry, saying he is a competent lawyer who has proved himself in his previous role.

“I should know, I was his thesis tutor, and I can tell you he is a very good lawyer,” he said.

Did Ian Borg get a poisoned chalice?

Portelli said he was not debating Bedingfield’s abilities. Rather, he would have expected to see him appointed to a tourism portfolio, for instance.

“I find it strange to see Ian Borg appointed to health and a doctor (Jo Etienne Abela) appointed to tourism,” he said.

“I don’t believe it’s a good idea to have a health minister who is not a doctor, even if Borg has been specifically appointed to carry out the much- needed and long-promised health infrastructure projects.”

Portelli also suggested the role could be a “poisoned chalice” meant to test Borg, who is widely seen as a top contender to succeed Abela.

“I believe Robert Abela could make his way out before the next election and in that case, Ian Borg would likely be one of the challengers for the role,” Portelli said.

“The Health Ministry is extremely tough, so this could either propel him to the role, but it could also work against him. It’s tough to run health.”

Musumeci strongly disagreed with the notion that Abela is preparing to step down and praised Borg’s credentials.

“There’s national consensus that Ian Borg is a great mind and a competent man,” he said.

“Health is a question of management, and Ian Borg is a great manager, a brilliant organiser.”

Fearne’s return

The analysts also clashed over the appointment of Chris Fearne, who was appointed foreign minister despite facing ongoing criminal charges in court related to the hospitals deal.

Musumeci defended Abela’s decision. He said it was legally sound and respected the separation of powers, stating Abela acted “after observing what came out in court since Fearne was charged”.

Portelli described the appointment as “very brave” on Abela’s side but suggested it is yet another signal of the prime minister’s possible exit strategy.

“That’s a political decision that you only take when you’re on your way out or, at least, considering it,” he said.

He also said he does not hold the popular belief that Fearne’s appointment is a stepping stone to the role of European Commissioner in three years’ time.

“I think it’s more of a stepping stone to becoming President of the Republic,” he said.

‘Both parties should look inward’

Reflecting on the election outcome, both agreed that neither party can afford to be complacent.

Portelli warned PN supporters against blaming the loss purely on Labour’s “power of incumbency or because of allegations that many foreigners voted illegally”. The PN cannot always blame others, it must look inwards.

But both credited Alex Borg for spearheading a disciplined campaign that allowed the PN to reclaim lost voters and lead a narrative that worked and rallied many people behind one united cause. What Borg managed to do in such a short amount of time was nothing short of remarkable, they agreed.

“Alex Borg’s campaign allowed the PN to get its message across in a way that resonated with people,” Musumeci noted.

“This happened because he did not have interruptions or competition. This could have been the beginning of the healing of the PN.”

Portelli and Musumeci discussed a range of other subjects. They weighed in on whether a March 2027 election could have given Borg enough time to win the election, on whether ADPD leader Sandra Gauci deserves a seat in parliament, and on whether this was Labour’s last victory.

The full episode of Times Talk is available on the Times of Malta website and all major podcast platforms.