Former President’s PRO says contract termination may be 'discriminatory and illegal practice'

Marica Mizzi, a communications coordinator for former President George Abela, has today filed a judicial protest claiming that the termination of her contract with the government “may be tantamount to discriminatory and illegal practice.”

Mizzi, who in April 2009 started working as the president’s communications coordinator, had her contract terminated in April – the day President Marie Louise Coleiro Preca took her oath.

In a judicial protest filed this morning against Prime Minister Joseph Muscat and head of civil service Mario Cutajar, Mizzi is arguing that she did not receive the benefits she was entitled to as a result of her contract’s termination, and that other civil service workers who were in a similar position received a lump sum.

Moreover, Mizzi also argued that she was initially told by representatives of the Office of the Prime Minister that she would receive benefits, only to be told that she would not be paid.

“The termination was solely due to the change in the presidency, and consequently, the clauses of the contract dictate that Mizzi is entitled to receive a lump sum. This action does not only constitute a contractual breach by the government, but it may also be tantamount to a discriminatory and illegal action,” the protest read.

“While I hope that there is no ulterior motive behind this decision, it is incorrect to say that the contract was terminated due to unforeseen circumstances,” Mizzi held.

Dr Ian Spiteri Bailey filed the judicial protest.