Culture Minister Owen Bonnici has succeeded Chris Fearne as leader of the House of Representatives, following the former deputy prime minister’s reassignment of responsibilities amid the fallout from the Vitals inquiry.

The announcement in the government gazette designates Bonnici as the person responsible for setting the parliamentary agenda. Although this role typically goes to a deputy prime minister, Prime Minister Robert Abela has not yet officially appointed one, as there is no constitutional mandate requiring him to do so.

Sources indicate that Bonnici will serve as acting prime minister whenever Abela is out of the country or otherwise unable to perform his duties. As the most senior member of the cabinet, Bonnici has frequently taken on this role in the absence of either the prime minister or Fearne.

Fearne resigned from the cabinet earlier this month due to fraud charges related to the privatization deal of three state hospitals. His portfolio, which included EU funds, reforms, and social dialogue, has been absorbed by the prime minister’s office.

Fearne also withdrew his candidacy as Malta’s nominee to the next EU Commission. While Environment Minister Miriam Dalli is considered a potential replacement, no official announcement has been made.

#MaltaDaily