The government's decision to appoint Chris Cardona as an Education Ministry consultant is a profound misstep that again raises serious questions about the principles of meritocracy and good governance. This appointment does not only undermine public trust but also confirms a growing pattern of political expediency taking precedence over integrity and competence.

Cardona's professional background does not reflect any significant expertise in the education sector. He is a lawyer by profession and has served in ministerial roles unrelated to education. The ministry he is now advising is responsible for shaping policies that affect the intellectual and moral development of Malta's future generations. Yet, the government has chosen someone whose credentials in this critical field are, at best, tenuous. As Repubblika aptly asked, what kind of consultancy can Cardona competently offer in this sector?

Worse still, the shadow of past controversies looms large over this decision. Cardona resigned as Labour Party deputy leader after his name was mentioned in court proceedings related to the murder of journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia. While the allegations have not been proven and Cardona has always denied any connection, the association with such a grave case should have been enough to rule out any return to a government position - especially one tied so closely to public trust. Indeed, Prime Minister Robert Abela had seemed to acknowledge this when he excluded Cardona from the Cabinet in 2020 and when Cardona stepped away from political life entirely by not contesting the 2022 general election.

This new appointment sends a troubling message. It suggests that political rehabilitation within the Labour Party does not require a demonstration of renewed public service merit. Instead, it appears to be a matter of timing and loyalty, with the government willing to reinstate figures once deemed too politically risky. The Nationalist Party was right to point out the hypocrisy of a government that campaigned on the promise of meritocracy, only to sidestep it when convenient.

The financial terms of this consultancy only add to public frustration. Reports indicate that Cardona is being paid around €36,000 a year for a part-time role - 10 hours of work per week. This is a generous package, funded by taxpayers, for someone whose qualifications for the post are questionable at best. It raises the issue of whether this is truly about educational policy expertise or rather a political favour cloaked as consultancy.

Repubblika's condemnation of the appointment reflects a broader sentiment: that this is a step backwards from the reforms and staff changes Prime Minister Abela initially promised when taking office.

The Labour Party has long claimed to stand for transparency, accountability, and merit-based governance. Yet, actions like these contradict those principles and, it must be said, Cardona's appointment is not an isolated case, but one of many. Too many.

In a time when Malta's education system faces pressing challenges - from improving standards to addressing staffing shortages - appointing someone without clear expertise sends the wrong signal. It says that political loyalty matters more than competence, and that past controversies can be overlooked if the party sees an opportunity to rebuild old bridges.

The government should have known better. Malta deserves appointments that inspire confidence, not controversy.