Opposition leader Bernard Grech reshuffled his shadow cabinet on Wednesday, but many of the top posts remained unchanged.
The changes were announced after three days of meetings between Nationalist Party leader Grech and his MPs, amid reports that some PN MPs had refused responsibilities originally offered to them.
Jason Azzopardi lost the justice portfolio to Karol Aquilina. Instead, he was handed jobs and competitiveness, a change which Azzopardi welcomed in a Facebook post.
David Thake lost his environment portfolio, which was handed to Robert Cutajar. Thake is now responsible for the green economy and capital projects, with the latter being moved out of Toni Bezzina’s portfolio.
Obviously letting go of the #environment portfolio brings a bit of sadness but totally geared up to handle my new portfolio for the #greeneconomy and #capitalprojects Many thanks to all who helped me in the previous role that prepared me well for this one.
— David Thake (@davidthake) January 20, 2021
Therese Comodini Cachia was made responsible for human rights, good governance and rule of law. Her previous responsibilities for the arts and culture now form part of Karl Gouder’s portfolio.
Claudette Buttigieg, who is deputy speaker, was handed responsibility for social affairs, previously held by party deputy leader David Agius. Agius remains responsible for pensions, as well as children’s welfare.
The other party deputy leader, David Arrigo, retained responsibility for tourism.
Similarly, Beppe Fenech Adami retained responsibility for home affairs, Carmelo Mifsud Bonnici for foreign affairs, Mario de Marco for finance, Stephen Spiteri for health, Clyde Puli, education, Toni Bezzina for transport and the infrastructure, and Kristy Debono for economic affairs.
Claudio Grech was made responsible for party political and innovative transformation, the drawing up of socio-economic policy and the drawing up of its electoral programme.
Ryan Callus adds sustainable development and parks management to his portfolio of energy and water management.
Joe Ellis, who previously held no portfolio, has been put in charge of constitutional reform, social dialogue and broadcasting.
Five PN MPs – Claudio Grech, Stephen Spiteri, Maria Deguara, Claudette Buttigieg and Clyde Puli – have been appointed to a COVID-19 response team set up by the Opposition party.
Former leader Adrian Delia opted not to form part of the Opposition front bench.