Eight possible candidates to replace Cachia Caruana as permanent representative to the EU

As Malta's permanent representative to the European Union, Richard Cachia Caruana incarnated three qualities which are hard to reconcile: political shrewdness in negotiations, insider knowledge of the government's priorities, and hidden agendas combined with technical and organisational competence.

Replacing Cachia Caruana will be a daunting task, simply because it is hard to find these three qualities embodied in the same person. In fact despite Cachia Caruana's immediate resignation, the Prime Minister seems to be biding his time. While he accepted the resignation without delay, Dr Gonzi made it clear that Cachia Caruana will continue to occupy the sensitive role until a suitable replacement is found.

He will even be accompanying him in next week's head of government's meeting.

Moreover, while Cachia Caruana has over the years built in-depth contacts in the various EU institutions, a newcomer will have to start from scratch at a time when Europe may well be facing its greatest crisis in recent years. 

It also comes at a time when Malta is digging its trenches against attempts to introduce a European wide tax on financial transactions, which could deal a blow to its budding financial sector.

The task of finding a replacement will be harder because of the temporary nature of the appointment: a few months before an election and a possible change in government, which would mean the appointment of someone from the other side of the political camp.

Among the names being touted for Cachia Caruana's replacement are Vanni Xuereb, chair of the Malta EU Steering Action Committee; speaker and former Foreign Minister Michael Frendo, ex-Smart City and ex Malta Iinformation Technology Agency chairman Claudio Grech, and Transport Minister Austin Gatt.

Vanni Xuereb: a technocratic choice

A former advisor to the bishops of Malta and Gozo on European Affairs, who headed the EU Office within the Maltese Episcopal Conference before he left the priesthood, Vanni Xuereb could be a politically safe and non-controversial choice.

Xuereb definitely possesses the technical and academic competences required for the job, but might lack the political acumen of Cachia Caruana.

When contacted by MaltaToday Xuereb made it clear that he has not been approached, either formally nor informally, for the post.

"If approached, I will see," he said.

In May 2008 Xuereb was entrusted with the task of spearheading the process for the re-activation of MEUSAC as an instrument for Government to consult with the constituted bodies and with civil society on EU-related issues, disseminate information, and provide support with regard to EU Programmes.

A lawyer by profession, Xuereb specialised in EU matters. His LL.D. thesis was entitled "The Law Governing the External Relations of the European Communities - A Mediterranean Perspective". He then pursued post-graduate studies in European Law obtaining a Diploma in Advanced European Legal Studies from the College d'Europe in Bruges, Belgium in 1989.

Xuereb's career has centred on EU affairs. He served as Legal Research Officer at the Permanent Delegation of Malta to the European Communities and as Legal Consultant on EU Law to the then Malta External Trade Corporation, now part of Malta Enterprise. He also practiced as a lawyer, specialising in financial services and EU Law-something, which could be of current interest.

Claudio Grech - the political insider

One of the names which is being touted as a possible successor in the aftermath of Cachia Caruana's resignation is that of former MITA and Smart City chief executive Claudio Grech.

But when contacted Grech excluded this eventuality out of hand. "I have not been approached for the post.  And even if I am it will be a definite 'no' as I am sure there are persons who are far more capable than me for this post."

Grech also expressed his dismay at Cachia Caruana's removal from office. "What happened in parliament was shameful...it was simply politics of spite and as a result of this the country has lost one of its best technical assets."

Grech's name was touted because of the high level of trust he enjoys in the party's inner circles, as well as his administrative experience, even if he lacks foreign policy experience. 

Like Cachia Caruana, Claudio Grech is also reputed to be one of the party's foremost strategists, which makes him able to identify the government's priorities in its dealings with the European Commission.

A long time ally of Minister Austin Gatt, Grech joined the minister's secretariat in 1999 as Policy Co-ordinator for the field of Local Government.

In 2000 he graduated with distinction as a Master in Business Administration in Strategy and later on in the same year he was allocated the responsibility of implementing electronic policy in Malta.

In 2001 he was also appointed Executive Secretary of the eMalta Commission and e-Government Programme Manager.

Between April 2003 and May 2008, he served as Chief of Staff of the Minister for Information Technology and Investment, in which post he coordinated a policy team handling all government investments.

Between 2004 and 2008, he chaired the Core ICT Advisory Committee of Government and also Malta Government Technology Investments Ltd.

He also represented Malta on the i2010 High Level Group of the European Commission.

Between June 2008 and September 2009, he served as Chief Executive Officer of SmartCity Malta Ltd. In July 2008, he was also appointed as Chairman of the Malta Information Technology Agency. Grech resigned from this post in December 2011  claiming he was the target of an "unwarranted smear campaign aimed at tarnishing the agency's and [his] reputation and integrity."

Grech was referring to claims by the Opposition that his position at the head of MITA and his political role inside the Nationalist Party, were untenable. But subsequently Claudio Grech was given the role of advisor to Minister Austin Gatt.

Michael Frendo - the seasoned politician

A seasoned politician in his own right, Michael Frendo has a long experience in foreign affairs, which included a spell as Foreign Minister between 2004 and 2008.

Although he is known not to be interested in such a position, his experience makes him highly suited to the high profile political post as Malta's representative in the European Union.

But it is doubtful whether the seasoned politician would be willing to abandon the office of Speaker of the House, which constitutionally is one of the highest offices a politician can aspire to.

When contacted Frendo simply reminded the journalist that he is currently "serving his duties as a speaker".

Michael Frendo has been a Member of the House of Representatives of Malta since 1987 and is respected beyond the inner echelons of the party and government. Still, he might be considered to be more of a political visionary than a technocrat.

But although perceived to be more inclusive than Cachia Caruana, he may lack Cachia Caruana's shrewdness.

Nonetheless, the 57-year-old Frendo is also highly qualified for the post: a lawyer by profession, he specialised in European Community Law (LL.M) at the Centre for European Legal Studies, University of Exeter, United Kingdom.

In 2002 and 2003 Michael Frendo represented the Maltese National Parliament as a member of the European Convention (Convention on the Future of Europe) which formulated the text of the new Treaty on a Constitution for Europe under the chairmanship of Valery Giscard d'Estaing. Early in 2003, Michael Frendo was the first Maltese to address the European Parliament, in Maltese.

In April 2003, Michael Frendo was appointed Chairman of the House of Representatives Standing Committee on Foreign and European Affairs having been a member of that committee from 1999.

In 2003 Michael Frendo also served as an observer Member of the European Parliament. Michael Frendo has also served as First Vice-President of the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) between the Maltese Parliament and the European Parliament. Frendo  has also published widely including several books on European affairs: "The Future is Europe" (2003), "Europe,The Case for Membership" (1996), "Malta in the Council of Europe" (1990), "Malta in the European Community - Commercial and Legal Considerations" (1989).

Other possible candidates

Another name which is being touted is that of Transport Minister Austin Gatt who has the political shrewdness and political acumen of Cachia Caruana... even if he might be a bit too abrasive for such a sensitive role.  The post could also be ideal for Gatt who has already announced that he will not be contesting the next general election.

But Austin Gatt could be more needed in marshalling the troops for the next general election.

Former Foreign Minister and EU Commissioner Joe Borg, whose term in office coincided with the final negotiations leading to EI membership, could also be a popular choice. As a former EU commissioner between 2004 and 2009, he also gained valuable experience of the inner workings of the Commission. But his appointment may raise a few eyebrows as this would see Borg shifting his role from Commissioner to Malta's direct interlocutor with the same Commission he once represented.

Other names which could be considered include former European Commission representative in Malta Joanna Drake, as well as Martin Bugelli: a former Director of Information who currently occupies Drake's former role.

But this would an even more direct case of revolving doors switching from EU representative in Malta to Malta's representative in the EU.  Moreover both lack the political clout enjoyed by Richard Cachia Caruana.

Elsewhere, MEP Simon Busuttil has the legal and political brains for the job; but his term as MEP will only expire in two years time and he is already performing in the strategic role as the PM's envoy to civil society. This makes him an unlikely contender, for a post that will have to be filled within the next two weeks.