Muscat ‘repeatedly humiliated’ minister - Marlene Farrugia

Outgoing health minister Godfrey Farrugia was “repeatedly humiliated” by the Prime Minister during his tenure as the minister responsible for health, according to Labour MP Marlene Farrugia, the former minister's partner.

The Zurrieq MP lashed out at Joseph Muscat over the way decisions taken by Godfrey Farrugia used to be overruled by Castille.

On Saturday, Godfrey Farrugia left his letter of resignation at Auberge de Castille with a messenger after being told that the Prime Minister was not at his office. The chain of events that followed proved to be a hectic day for all: MPs, ministers and parliamentary secretaries were summoned at Girgenti Palace where the Prime Minister officialised his expected reshuffle.

After Marlene Farrugia posted Godfrey’s resignation letter on Facebook, the outgoing minister defended his partner’s stance by stating that he had already texted Muscat to inform him of his decision not to accept the social solidarity portfolio.

In an opinion penned in the Malta Independent today, Marlene Farrugia recounted how just 12 months ago, Labour’s “young, articulate leader succeeded in convincing the people that a new freedom can be found in doing politics differently”.

“His charged, impeccable rhetoric backed by a flawless, expensive campaign, persuaded the disillusioned population that disentanglement from the status quo was indeed possible, that matters can be handled in a transparent, honest and rational manner, that meritocracy will be the order of the day and that honest open dialogue with all stakeholders will remain the hallmark of any legislature entrusted to him...”

Marlene Farrugia wrote there was no question about her participation in making such a way of governance a reality: “Not only did I throw myself into convincing as many people as possible of Joseph Muscat’s honourable intentions, but I also persuaded my partner Godfrey to accept his invitation to lend a helping hand in making this freedom a reality.”

She also says Muscat was true to his word when he engaged Godfrey Farrugia as the Health Minister, with the latter embarking on the mammoth task of addressing the roots of the problems that have plagued this sector for many years. “Godfrey Farrugia worked night and day, motivated solely by his absolute resolve to make life easier for present and future patients, while safeguarding the well-being of health professions without whose co-operation, this sector would obviously flounder.

“He did his utmost and there is no question about that, but it is understandable that it is the Prime Minister’s prerogative to come to his own conclusions and reshuffle as he thinks best.”

Adding that she had no issue with Konrad Mizzi being appointed as the new minister for health, she did however have an issue at how Godfrey Farrugia was “repeatedly humiliated” by the Prime Minister. 

“From the beginning, even by the manner in which John Dalli was introduced to the Ministry.  Godfrey approved, if not actually invited John Dalli to lend his expertise, once he was cleared of any accusations in his regard.

“The Prime Minister’s Communications Office however made it seem as if he was being imposed on Godfrey, thus undermining his authority in the Ministry from the outset.”

Marlene Farrugia insisted that the trend continued punctuated by more notable instances like the tent debacle and numerous statements by the Prime Minister, despite fully knowing that issues required huge capital investment to correct.

Shifting her attention to public relations, Marlene Farrugia claimed this had been “a nightmare” for the PL.

“No sooner had Joseph Muscat mentioned the reshuffle, then the pitiable leaks to fuel speculation by the media started, tearing away mercilessly at Ministers and Parliamentary Secretaries.

“It was shameful how the executive members of our country, their staff and families were psychologically abused by the unnecessary prolongation of the run up to the decision. As I said, the Prime Minister should reshuffle as necessary but the way his PR team handled the matter betrayed weakness and indecisiveness till the very end.”

Marlene Farrugia said she will continue speaking out, comforted by “a very weak opposition” and a government with a nine-seat majority.

“Apart from Parliament itself, I will continue to use the uncensored Public space that social media like Facebook can offer me.  My ultimate loyalty remains to the Labour movement we created, and I will not rest until our slogan of Malta Taghna Lkoll becomes a reality.”