According to multiple reports, Clayton Bartolo resigned from Tourism Minister following a meeting with Prime Minister Robert Abela.
TVM News and Times of Malta in particular, reported that this news is official.
A recent Standards Commissioner report found an abuse of power relating to a high-paying consultancy role for his wife. This report was later adopted by Parliament. Bartolo has since faced multiple calls for resignations, as well as a PN protest outside of Parliament last week.
The 37-year-old 12th & 8th District MP discussed his decision with Prime Minister Robert Abela before formally stepping down. He will continue serving as a Labour backbencher.
Bartolo, a former Mellieħa councillor and deputy mayor, entered parliament in 2017. He was appointed junior minister for financial services in 2020 and later promoted to Tourism Minister in November of the same year.
During his tenure, Bartolo oversaw a record rebound in tourist numbers following the pandemic. Bartolo’s political future now lies in his role as a backbench MP.
Opposition Leader Reacts
Reacting to the news, Opposition leader Bernard Grech said that ‘after weeks of defending fraud and dragging their feet, today we witnessed another U-turn as Clayton Bartolo gave in to pressure and resigned as Minister.’
‘A late and half-hearted action taken only because the public united against the fraud of Robert Abela and his government.’
‘However, Clayton Bartolo’s resignation is not enough. Beyond returning the full €70,000, Robert Abela has an obligation to immediately remove Clint Camilleri, who is guilty of fraud and a cover-up.’
‘Today’s events happened only because the people united against the government’s wrongdoing. Therefore, I urge everyone to continue coming together as one people to ensure the establishment of a new government that will put an end to such frequent fraud.’
ADPD Reacts
A statement was also issued by ADPD Chairperson Sandra Gauci, who welcomed the resignation of Minister Clayton Bartolo, who, “following scandals and doubts about how he managed his ministry, has taken this step—one we at ADPD were among the first to call for.”
“Ministers should be exemplary in how they conduct themselves, and if they fail, they should step down or be removed. Public funds must always be managed transparently because, ultimately, these are the people’s taxes. Every cent spent should be accounted for, detailing where and how it was used. That is true accountability.”
“Leadership that allows favouritism, even when undeserved, harms citizens and the nation. There must be accountability for actions and capable individuals entrusted with roles they are qualified for,” Gauci added.
“Now, we await the resignation of another minister, Clint Camilleri, who enabled Clayton Bartolo’s abuse. We also expect Amanda Muscat to return the money she took for work she never performed,” Gauci concluded.
#MaltaDaily
