WATCH | Lawyer says Abela called an early election to trip up Alex Borg

Lawyer Malcolm Mifsud argued that Prime Minister Robert Abela called an early election because he could not afford to let Alex Borg gain further momentum, suggesting the young PN leader was becoming an increasingly significant political force.

Speaking during a discussion on TVM’s Xtra programme hosted by Saviour Balzan, Mifsud pointed out that Borg had only been in the role for eight months when the election was called.

Former Labour Party president and deputy leader Daniel Micallef dismissed the claim as “surreal,” but declined to directly answer when Balzan asked whether the PL had reason to worry that Borg could become a stronger political force within five years. “The electorate will decide,” he said.

Asked whether Alex Borg will face a challenge in building a shadow cabinet to match Labour’s, Bernard Grech's former aide Ray Bezzina said he is confident the PN will present a balanced and regenerated team, pointing to several new faces and high-performing candidates.

“The PN has polled under 50% since 2008,” Micallef said, arguing that the party has failed to secure majority support for years. He added that there were moments during the campaign when the PN contradicted positions it had taken only months earlier, suggesting that the party was trying to distance itself from issues that had previously generated bad PR.

The discussion also turned to Prime Minister Robert Abela’s cabinet choices, particularly the appointment of Chris Fearne as foreign affairs minister.

Mifsud questioned the decision, arguing that the Labour Party has begun lowering ethical standards from its first day back in government.

“If you had an employee who was accused of stealing from you, what would you do?” Mifsud asked, insisting that the prime minister is not only acting as though nothing happened, but has effectively rewarded Fearne with a promotion. Mifsud said Fearne will not only serve as a member of parliament, but will now also represent Malta internationally while facing criminal proceedings related to corruption and fraud.

Political analyst Jeremy Camilleri redirected the argument towards delays in Malta’s justice system, saying these were the main issue behind the controversy surrounding Fearne’s appointment. He argued that ethical concerns cannot be discussed without addressing institutional flaws, noting that Fearne has been waiting more than two years for his case to be resolved.

Camilleri also argued that standards must be applied consistently, noting that the PN also has MPs who faced magisterial inquiries but were not removed from the party. He named Toni Bezzina and Adrian Delia as examples. Balzan replied that “two wrongs don’t make a right,” a point Camilleri accepted.

Asked what may have guided the prime minister’s choice of cabinet members, Micallef said performance was likely a key consideration. He added that some ministers may have grown tired in their roles, pointing to Byron Camilleri as an example of a minister who has now been moved elsewhere. At the same time, Micallef said sectors requiring a stronger push appear to have been assigned to more experienced ministers.

Camilleri defended the prime minister’s decision to appoint Ian Borg as health minister, saying the role does not require a medical degree. He said the sector’s main challenges are largely tied to industrial relations, structural issues and tendering processes.

“We know Ian Borg’s track record. He is a doer,” Camilleri said, adding that although some had expected him to be sidelined when he was appointed foreign affairs minister, he went on to become one of the government’s leading ministers.

Balzan asked whether it would be wise for the Labour Party to address issues not included in its manifesto, such as raising MPs’ salaries. Camilleri said such changes should not be driven by the prime minister alone, again calling for consistency between both parties.

“If I had to praise Alex Borg, I would say we are seeing less fighting than we have in the past,” Camilleri said. “I want a strong opposition, and because of this, there is a better chance of consensus.”