Image Source : Lovin Malta
The latest scandal surrounding Clayton Bartolo, Malta’s Minister for Tourism, has sparked a sense of déjà vu, with many feeling that it’s just another case of corruption and misconduct that’s all too familiar. As Robert Abela, Malta’s Prime Minister, navigates this latest controversy, it’s clear that the issue goes beyond Bartolo’s individual actions .
The scandal centers around Bartolo’s relationship with his former private secretary, Amanda Muscat, who was promoted to a higher-grade position despite lacking the necessary qualifications. An investigation by the Standards Commissioner found that Bartolo breached the ministerial code of ethics, and that Muscat continued to work as his private secretary despite being paid by another ministry .
While Bartolo’s actions are certainly troubling, many are questioning why this behavior is still tolerated in Malta’s government. The fact that this scandal is not an isolated incident, but rather part of a larger pattern of corruption and misconduct, is a major concern. As one commentator noted, “there’s nothing in the latest scandal that we haven’t seen many times before” .
This sense of familiarity is unsettling, and it highlights the need for systemic change in Malta’s government. Prime Minister Abela has promised to address corruption and misconduct, but it remains to be seen whether he will take concrete action to address these issues .Ultimately, it’s up to Abela and his government to prove that they are committed to transparency, accountability, and good governance.
