Updated | Muscat says reshuffle is leadership renewal

Joseph Muscat's press conference on his Cabinet reshuffle

Prime Minister Joseph Muscat this morning said he wanted former health minister Godfrey Farrugia to stay on in his Cabinet, and has not ruled out his return to a future Cabinet of ministers.

"I tried to convince him to have another portfolio right until the end, and to be honest I had the feeling that he had accepted," Muscat said of Farrugia, who refused to take on the social solidarity portfolio.

Farrugia's partner and Labour MP Marlene Farrugia yesterday accused Muscat of having humiliated Godfrey Farrugia by overstepping on his decisions.

The government was already strong, and this reshuffle shows the variety of talent that we have within our ranks. Change is essential in life and this is my way of doing politics. Prime Minister Joseph Muscat

"I take note of what everyone says," Muscat said of Marlene Farrugia's criticism. "But I also noted that she has reiterated her support and loyalty to this government."

Muscat described his snap reshuffle on Saturday, prompted by the resignation of Farrugia, as a "renewal of the country's leadership".

"The government was already strong, and this reshuffle shows the variety of talent that we have within our ranks. Change is essential in life and this is my way of doing politics," Muscat said.

The post held by Godfrey Farrugia was added to Konrad Mizzi's portfolio, who now becomes responsible for both the Health and Energy sector. He will be aided by Chris Fearne as his junior minister. 

Asked about the decision to have health and energy under one ministry, the Prime Minister said he felt the need for a change and that what was needed in the health sector was a greater managerial, rather than medical expertise. 

"Konrad Mizzi could afford a heavier burden," Muscat said, downplaying the notion of a superministry for the young minister.

"I wanted a team that focuses on challenges. Chris Fearne will be giving a helping hand to Konrad," he said of the new parliamentary secretary for health.

Owen Bonnici, Michael Farrugia and Edward Zammit Lewis took the oath to serve as ministers after they served as parliamentary secretaries during the past year.

Michael Falzon, Chris Fearne, Chris Agius and Justyne Caruana left the government backbench to start serving as junior ministers. 

The reshuffle was sparked by the Prime Minister's decision to nominate senior members of his cabinet, Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca and Karmenu Vella, as the next President and EU Commissioner respectively. Coleiro Preca was replaced by Michael Farrugia as Family Minister while Edward Zammit Lewis moved from Chris Cardona's ministry to take the tourism Ministry. 

One of the youngest faces, Owen Bonnici, was promoted to Minister for Justice and Culture, and will have Stefan Buontempo as Parliamentary Secretary for local government. 

Gozitan MP Justyne Caruana replaced her colleague Franco Mercieca as parliamentary secretary for active aging and disability. Michael Falzon became responsible for MEPA and simplification of bureacracy while Chris Agius took the oath to serve as parliamentary secretary for sports and youth. 

The oath of office was George Abela's last act as President of the Republic, with Coleiro Preca taking his place in two days time.