Edward Scicluna has written to President of the European Central Bank Christine Lagarde requesting to cease exercising his function as Governor of the Central Bank of Malta while his case is still pending before the Maltese courts.

In a very short statement following a Cabinet meeting on Tuesday, the Cabinet said that it took note of Scicluna's request made to Lagarde. "The Cabinet of Ministers recognizes that the decision taken by Professor Scicluna is in the best national interest."

The Cabinet statement read that the Deputy Governor of the Central Bank Alexander Demarco will be assuming the functions of Central Bank Governor of Malta in the absence of a governor.

Later, Prime Minister Robert Abela told the media that Scicluna will be retaining his salary as he is only stepping away from the role "temporarily". 

Abela said the terms of Scicluna's employment "will remain the same" while he is suspended. 

Scicluna was called in to Castille during the Cabinet meeting in an attempt to reach a compromise. In the end, it was agreed that he steps aside while retaining his full employment conditions, while his functions as a governor pass on under the responsibility of Demarco.

A court in July found that there is enough prima facie evidence for Scicluna, Chris Fearne and others to stand trial in connection with the Vitals hospitals concession.

There have been calls for his resignation since the news broke that he was to be charged. However he had remained defiant against such calls. Following the court's prima facie decree, this newsroom had asked Scicluna whether he will be stepping down from his post as Central Bank Governor or staying on, to which he replied: "I have already answered that question outside the law courts some time ago. The EU Treaty is protecting me as a Eurosystem Governor from these very kind of pressures whenever they arise."

But calls for his resignation, from the Opposition as well as civil society, kept mounting.

Last Thursday, Prime Minister Robert Abela had announced that Scicluna will no longer be occupying his post on the MFSA's Board of Directors. Regarding Scicluna's position as Governor of the Central Bank of Malta, Abela had on that day said that the correct example has been set by Chris Fearne and Ronald Mizzi (the former resigned as Deputy Prime Minister and Minister, and the latter resigned from the position of Permanent Secretary), and that he believes Scicluna will be guided forward through the principle of the national interest.

"Failing that, if that decision is not taken, naturally a decision will have to be taken ... The Cabinet is going to meet next Tuesday," he had said. That Cabinet meeting was held today.