Tinkering with a Cabinet is a Prime Minister's prerogative. In democracies, reshuffles serve to refresh a government's image, correct under-performance, or realign political priorities. But what happened last Wednesday was neither strategic nor bold. Instead, it exposed a confused and hesitant leader, whose authority is increasingly in question. What was touted as a major Cabinet reshuffle quickly devolved into a cosmetic exercise with little meaning. If anything, it showed a Prime Minister in difficulty, undecided and weak.

The fact that this was the fourth Cabinet revision carried out by Robert Abela in the past 18 months reveals him as a leader who habitually revises decisions following missteps. In January 2024, less than two years into the legislature, Abela made changes which were mostly dictated by his idea of sending his deputy Chris Fearne - who had remained a thorn in his side ever since the two contested for the leadership post in 2020 - to Brussels. The biggest loser had been Aaron Farrugia, the only minister who had lost his place.

Fearne had been reassigned from the difficult health portfolio to the less onerous European funds and social dialogue, giving him time to prepare to become Malta's European commissioner. But these plans were derailed when Fearne resigned in May after being charged in connection with the hospitals scandal. That alone was a political earthquake, and a second adjustment was required.

Then came the resignation of Clayton Bartolo, another casualty of scandal. Again, Abela reacted - not led. The Prime Minister's response was not the mark of a confident leader managing his team but that of a man cornered by events. And now, this fourth and latest attempt at restructuring has once more exposed the structural weakness in Abela's leadership style.

Pro-Labour quarters had primed the public for substantial changes. Political commentators and insiders suggested that a shake-up was imminent. Yet, what unfolded was a reluctant reallocation of minor duties. What promised to be a hurricane turned out to be a spring breeze.

The most glaring example revolves around Home Affairs Minister Byron Camilleri. It was an open secret that Abela intended to move Camilleri out of the Home Affairs portfolio and hand it over to Owen Bonnici. But at the eleventh hour, Abela caved.

Camilleri has served in his role since January 2020 and was at the centre of controversy earlier this year after a massive drug heist from an Armed Forces of Malta compound. At the time, he had offered to resign. Abela refused to accept it. The reshuffle was Abela's chance to finally execute that change and demonstrate that under-performance or scandal would not go unaddressed. Instead, Camilleri remains in place, now with added responsibilities tied to the National Development and Social Fund, a move that reeks more of appeasement than accountability.

Meanwhile, Owen Bonnici did not inherit the Home Affairs portfolio as expected, a move which would have been a promotion for him. Instead, Bonnici - the third in line for seniority after Abela and deputy leader Ian Borg - continues to oversee an easy Culture and Local Councils portfolio, taking over Public Lands from Stefan Zrinzo Azzopardi.

Zrinzo Azzopardi, in turn, has been reassigned EU funds - a role previously under the Office of the Prime Minister - and the Implementation of the Electoral Programme. Andy Ellul was probably looking forward to a promotion to a minister but was again left on the Cabinet as parliamentary secretary, gaining minor additional responsibilities tied to the Competition and Consumer Affairs Authority.

Such lateral movements may make for an interesting org chart, but they achieve little in terms of vision or reform.

The Nationalist Party's criticism was immediate. In a strongly worded statement, the PN said the reshuffle was "nothing more than a game of musical chairs" and proof that Abela "lacks authority" and "gave in to pressure from several of his ministers".

This episode paints the portrait of a Prime Minister too concerned with internal party equilibrium to act decisively. Cabinet reshuffles are not popularity contests. They are instruments of governance, meant to reflect a leader's strategic vision and command. But Abela's repeated deference to pressure from his ministers - especially from those embroiled in controversy or under-performing - is now a pattern.

Robert Abela's failure to reassign Byron Camilleri despite months of speculation and several calls for his resignation not only related to the drug heist is the most evident symbol of Abela's weakness. His inability to follow through on his intentions demonstrates a troubling lack of resolve. Even Camilleri's public comments, thanking the Prime Minister for his continued trust, seem almost patronising in the context of this widely reported backpedal.

In the end, a reshuffle that was intended to project strength and renewal instead underscored a Prime Minister shackled by indecision and undermined by his own ministers. The public, faced with scandal after scandal, deserved clarity and leadership.

What it got was confusion and compromise.