Former Joseph Muscat aide Jonathan Cardona passes away

Jonathan Cardona, a senior political appointee who held a number of key government positions under Labour administrations, has died.

Cardona served in several high-profile roles over the past decade, including chief executive of Malta's citizenship-by-investment programme, CEO of Enemalta, head of the National Development and Social Fund, and chief executive of Residency Malta Agency.

His death was announced on Thursday, with political figures from across the Labour Party paying tribute to his contribution to government and public administration.

Cardona was among the officials involved in Labour's 2013 electoral victory. Following Labour's election to office, he served as chief of staff to former deputy prime minister Louis Grech and was involved in Malta's work relating to the European Council.

He later led the Individual Investor Programme, Malta's citizenship-by-investment scheme, overseeing its implementation during a period in which it became a significant source of government revenue.

In 2021, Cardona was appointed chief executive of Enemalta, the state energy company. He subsequently served as chief executive of the National Development and Social Fund and later returned to head Residency Malta Agency.

Cardona had been battling cancer over the past year.

Tributes from Joseph Muscat and Robert Abela

Former prime minister Joseph Muscat described Cardona as a close friend and one of the original members of the team that began preparing the Labour Party for government in 2008.

In a Facebook post, Muscat said Cardona had served as Louis Grech's chief of staff and had acted as his envoy to meetings of the European Council. He praised Cardona's stewardship of the citizenship-by-investment programme, saying it had generated significant benefits for Malta and contributed to the country's resilience during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Muscat described Cardona as "one of the most intelligent people" he had known, recalling his sense of humour and their long friendship. He said Cardona had fought cancer with optimism over the past year and extended condolences to his parents, wife Claire, children and wider family.

Prime Minister Robert Abela said he had received news of Cardona's death during the swearing-in ceremony of Malta's new Cabinet.

In a Facebook post, Abela said that although many were aware of Cardona's health challenges in recent months, his death had come as a shock.

Abela said Cardona had been instrumental in Labour's efforts to win the public's trust ahead of the 2013 general election and had subsequently served Malta in several leadership positions within important government entities.

He praised Cardona's seriousness, loyalty, positive attitude and energy, and offered condolences to his family.