Professor Edward Scicluna has resume his role as Governor of the Central Bank of Malta and as a member of the Governing Council of the European Central Bank, following a formal request he submitted to Prime Minister Robert Abela and Minister for Finance Clyde Caruana, the government said Tuesday.

The Prime Minister consulted with the European Central Bank, which, as an independent institution, raised no objections to Professor Scicluna's request, the government said.

Scicluna had stepped aside from his duties exactly a year ago as Central Bank Governor, after a court of law found there is enough prima facie evidence for Scicluna and others to stand trial in connection with the Vitals hospitals concession.

The group is charged with fraud and misappropriation, with Scicluna being also accused of making fraudulent gain through abuse of office. He pleaded not guilty and the case is still ongoing.

Scicluna had resisted calls for his resignation from the Prime Minister, the Opposition and civil society organisations. He had been removed from the board of governors at the Malta Financial Services Authority. 

Prime Minister Robert Abela had said that Scicluna was to receive half pay while he is suspended from his role at the Central Bank of Malta. The full salary of the Central Bank's governor is €138,000. 

This morning, the government said, Prime Minister Abela informed the Cabinet of Ministers of the latest developments. The Cabinet responded positively to Professor Scicluna's request and welcomed his return to this important post, the statement added.

The Cabinet also extended its appreciation to Deputy Governor Alexander Demarco, who assumed the role of Acting Governor of the Central Bank of Malta over the past months with dedication and professionalism.

The Cabinet wished Professor Scicluna success as he "continues to serve the country with loyalty and commitment - qualities he has consistently demonstrated throughout every public role entrusted to him," the statement said.