The Nationalist Party said Tuesday it considers Robert Abela's decision to reappoint Ronald Mizzi as Permanent Secretary to be an irresponsible act that further erodes accountability, transparency, and public trust.

Mizzi, along with others complicit with him, is currently facing serious criminal charges in Malta's courts in connection with the Vitals and Steward scandal.

This decision by Robert Abela is yet another confirmation that he is running the government with the same culture of impunity that characterised Joseph Muscat's leadership, the PN said.

It also emphasised that this government decision discriminates against hundreds of public sector employees who are suspended from their duties as soon as they are charged in court, even in cases unrelated to their government role. For Robert Abela, close associates such as Ronald Mizzi are granted special privileges, while others are subjected to the strictest application of the law, the PN said.

Furthermore, Robert Abela's decision amounts to unacceptable interference in an ongoing judicial process. By reappointing Ronald Mizzi, the Prime Minister is effectively issuing a declaration of innocence in his regard - a role which neither belongs to nor is permitted by the powers granted to the Prime Minister under our country's laws. According to Malta's Constitution, only the Courts, through Judges and Magistrates, have the authority to determine guilt or innocence. At the same time, Robert Abela has once again attacked the Magistrate who led the inquiry into the Vitals and Steward case.

Through these actions, Robert Abela is once again revealing himself as a politician of double standards who will go to great lengths to undermine the democratic institutions of our country, the PN said.