Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi yesterday fulfilled his electoral promise and gave the Maltese people a brand new cabinet made up of eight ministers and six parliamentary secretaries – a combination of experience and new faces.

In his introductory speech, the prime minister told President Eddie Fenech Adami, who presided over the swearing ceremony, that his new cabinet is a combination of politicians with previous experience in Cabinet and new faces.

He pointed out that there are fewer ministers – eight in all compared to the previous 12.

Dr Gonzi held true to his promise and implemented the major reshuffle mentioned as part of his electoral programme.

Even though several rumours were going round and there was much speculation, it was difficult to pinpoint which portfolio was going to be assigned to a particular MP.

Gozo Minister Giovanna Debono is the only minister who kept the same portfolio. This new set-up also includes the return of former Finance Minister John Dalli, now appointed Social Policy Minister, and the promotion of former parliamentary secretaries Tonio Fenech and Carmel Mifsud Bonnici to ministers, the first for Finance, Economy and Investment and the latter for Justice and Home Affairs.

Former ministers Louis Galea, Michael Frendo and Censu Galea were not re-elected. However, even though former ministers Jesmond Mugliett, Louis Deguara and Ninu Zammit were elected, these were not included in the new Cabinet.

Tonio Borg was appointed Foreign Affairs Minister, Austin Gatt retained the IT sector but has roads also included in his Communications and National Projects Ministry, while George Pullicino was appointed Resources and Rural Affairs, with the Prime Minister keeping his promise of taking over the environment from under Mr Pullicino’s reposnibility.

Dolores Cristina moved from the family and social solidarity portfolio to become Education Minister,

In his address, Dr Fenech Adami said that that the Maltese people have been awaiting the announcement of the new Cabinet and added that these will be the ones who will lead the country forward through its transformation and the new challenges for the next four years.

All eight ministers and six parliamentary secretaries took an oath to be faithful and loyal to the Maltese Constitution.

Even though it was a solemn ceremony there were a few light moments. While taking his oath, newly appointed Parliamentary Secretary for the Elderly and Community Care Mario Galea accidentally said “jekk Alla jrid” (if help me God) instead of “hekk Alla jrid (so God wants).” Dr Fenech Adami smiled and told the prime minister that “God will help him” (Alla jghinu zgur).

In fact, after the ceremony was over, Mr Galea took the oath again, this time getting it right.

Parliamentary secretaries Jason Azzopardi and Clyde Puli accidentally substituted the words “parliamentary secretary” with “minister” while taking their oath – probably a Freudian slip of the tongue.

Another substitution took place when it was announced that MP Chris Said’s portfolio was Tourism and MP Mario de Marco was Public Dialogue and Information when it was actually the other way round.

Principal Permanent Secretary Godwin Grima, Attorney General Silvio Camilleri and Prime Minister’s private secretary Edgar Galea Curmi were also present during the ceremony.

Giovanna Debono

“I am very grateful that I have been given the responsibility of the Gozo Ministry for the third time. The next five years will be very interesting, particularly since Gozo has been allocated more funds from the national budget. My new role as Acting Prime Minister will certainly add to the excitement.”

George Pullicino

“It’s pretty much the same ministry I had save for Mepa which has been removed from my portfolio and replaced by resources. Thus I will be responsible for public works, the Malta Resource Authority as well as climate change, agriculture and fisheries.”

Tonio Fenech

“I am very satisfied with the responsibility I have been given. It is certainly not a small portfolio, particularly since it requires attracting investment. Also, the national programme for finances and the economy is a very ambitious one.”

John Dalli

“I have always been ready to give my service to my country and take comfort in the knowledge that I have been elected with a greater popular vote and given a ministry of the utmost importance. That means I have both the people’s as well as the PM’s trust. As finance minister I had delved deeply into social solidarity and have a great experience as regards hospitals. I will assess the developments in the field and manage the ministry with the largest budget.”

Mario de Marco

“I am proud to have been offered this position. I will certainly be looking toward my predecessors for inspiration and working closely with all stakeholders.”

Chris Said

“This is the first time I’ve been elected to Parliament, so I am twice as satisfied, now that the prime minister has shown his confidence in me, appointing me parliamentary secretary. I look forward to this challenge with enthusiasm.”

Clyde Puli

“I am undertaking this challenge with both meekness and determination. I have been given both a burden and responsibility as the younger generation embodies the country’s future. I am committed to building solid foundations to our future.”

Mario Galea

“With humility, I will put in all the effort I can master in order to face the great challenges I will be facing. These include the rehabilitation centre and the improvement already undertaken at St Vincent de Paule Residence and other homes for the elderly. I am also not expecting to be appointed whip to the PN parliamentary group.”

Joe Cassar

“I am honoured that PM Gonzi chose me to assume the responsibilities of this sector which has been so important in the electoral campaign. I will focus on primary health care which will help ease the burden on the tertiary sector. There are great challenges like electronic medicine but we are a good team and will be able to face these challenges.”

Jason Azzopardi

“It’s a big honour for me to have been given this responsibility. It’s a very tall order, especially since it includes attracting investment and I’m pleased to be working with Tonio (Fenech). I look forward to this exciting challenge.”

Ministry for Communications and National Projects

(Minister Dr Austin Gatt)

Civil Aviation

Malta Maritime Authority

Malta Freeport Corporation

Malta Transport Authority

Malta Communications Authority

Information and Communications Technology Strategy

National Identity Management

- Public Registry

- Land Registry

- Civil Registration

- ID Cards

- Passports

Coordination of Urban Development Projects (including Smart City, Grand Harbour and Marsamxett Regeneration)

Coordination of Road Building, Maintenance, Landscaping and Cleansing

Water Services Corporation

Enemalta Corporation

Malta Shipyards

Ministry for Social Policy

(Minister Mr John Dalli, Dr Joe Cassar Parliamentary Secretary for Health, Mr Mario Galea Parliamentary Secretary for the Elderly and Community Care),

Social Policy

Family Policy

Child Policy

Solidarity Services

Social Security

Social Housing

Equality

Health

Elderly and Community Care

Cooperatives

Employment and Training

Industrial and Employment Relations

Occupational Health and Safety

Office of the Prime Minister

(Dr Lawrence Gonzi, Prime Minister; Dr Mario de Marco, Parliamentary Secretary for Tourism; Dr Chris Said, Parliamentary Secretary for Public Dialogue and Information),

Public Service

EU Internal Coordination

Planning and Priorities Co-ordination

Internal Audit and Investigations

Management Efficiency Unit

Environment

Malta Environment and Planning Authority

Sustainable Development

Defence

Armed Forces

Tourism

Local Government

Malta Council for Economic and Social Development

EU Information (MEUSAC)

Information

Government Printing Press

Ministry of Finance, Economy and Investment

(Minister Mr Tonio Fenech, Dr Jason Azzopardi Parliamentary Secretary for Revenues and Land)

Finance

Budget Office

The Treasury

Inland Revenue

Indirect Taxation

Customs and Excise

Contracts

Economic Policy

External Trade

Relations with Central Bank

Financial Regulation

Malta Statistics Authority

Land

Joint Office

Notary to Government

Industry

Investment Promotion

Malta Enterprise

Competition Policy

Small Business and the Self-Employed

Trade Services

Consumer Protection

Malta Standards Authority

Intellectual Property

Government Investments

Privatisation

Ministry for Justice and Home Affairs

(Minister Dr Carmelo Mifsud Bonnici)

Courts of Justice

Attorney General's Office

Police

Immigration

Airport Security

Correctional Services

Civil Protection

Data Protection

Ministry for Resources and Rural Affairs

(Minister Mr George Pullicino)

Malta Resources Authority

Climate Change Policy

Development of Alternative Energy Sources

Oil Exploration

National Parks, Afforestation and the Countryside

Waste Management Strategy Implementation

Building Industry Consultative Council

Manufacturing and Servicing

Construction and Maintenance

Science and Technology Policy

Research and Innovation

Rural Development

Agriculture

Horticulture

Fisheries

Aquaculture

Veterinary Services

Animal Welfare

Ministry of Foreign Affairs

(Deputy Prime Minister, Dr Tonio Borg)

Relations with the European Union

Relations with Foreign and Commonwealth Countries

Relations with International Organisations and Institutions

International Economic Relations

Citizenship and Expatriate Affairs

Parliamentary Affairs

Ministry of Education and Culture

(Minister Ms Dolores Cristina, Mr Clyde Puli Parliamentary Secretary for Youth and Sport),

Childcare and Early Education

Compulsory Education

Higher Education (including MCAST and tourism studies)

Life-long Learning

Examinations

Public Broadcasting Services

Libraries and Archives

Culture and the Arts

Cultural Heritage

Theatres and Mediterranean Conference Centre

National Orchestra

Youth

Sport and Sport Complexes

Ministry for Gozo

(Minister Ms Giovanna Debono)

Gozo Affairs