Carmen Ciantar Faces Scrutiny Over New CEO Role

Carmen Ciantar, a long-time Labour Party activist and former Chief of Staff to ex-Health Minister Chris Fearne, has been appointed as the new CEO of the Malta Competition and Consumer Affairs Authority (MCCAA). However, this appointment comes with a significant financial downgrade compared to her previous tenure at the Foundation for Medical Services (FMS), where she earned a highly controversial salary.

While the move appears to be a demotion in terms of financial compensation, it raises significant concerns regarding political favoritism and the revolving door between government entities and Labour Party loyalists. The appointment also sheds light on Malta’s governance practices and the use of public funds to reward political allies.

From Scandalous Salary at FMS to a Reduced Pay at MCCAA

Ciantar previously served as CEO of FMS under the leadership of then-Health Minister Chris Fearne. During this time, she also acted as his chief of staff, earning an astounding annual salary of €163,000. This figure, which far exceeded comparable salaries for similar public positions, was revealed by The Shift and later scrutinized by the National Audit Office, which deemed her contract “irregular.”

Despite the controversy surrounding her tenure at FMS, Ciantar has now secured another senior government role. Through a Freedom of Information request, The Shift obtained details of her new contract at MCCAA, which reveals a stark contrast in her financial package.

At MCCAA, Ciantar’s base salary stands at €70,000 per year. However, additional allowances, including expense reimbursements, communications costs, a substantial performance bonus, and a government-provided car, bring her total compensation to approximately €95,000 annually. Notably, she has also been assigned a full-time driver, a privilege not typically afforded to CEOs of regulatory authorities.

A Strategic Move Amid Political Uncertainty

Ciantar’s appointment comes in the wake of changes within the Ministry of Health. Following the appointment of Jo Etienne Abela as the new Health Minister, she was dismissed from her position at FMS. This shift in leadership appears to have prompted her to seek another government role—one that has now materialized in the form of the MCCAA CEO position.

According to investigative reports, Ciantar was actively lobbying for a new appointment after her removal. Her close ties to the Labour Party, particularly her fundraising activities for the party, likely played a role in securing her new position. Sources indicate that she has been instrumental in raising tens of thousands of euros for the Labour government.

Parliamentary Approval Pending but Unlikely to Block Appointment

While Ciantar has already assumed her CEO role at MCCAA, her promotion to Chair of the Authority remains pending parliamentary approval. She has been listed as the successor to the current Chair, Helga Pizzuto, along with the additional honoraria associated with the role.

The parliamentary Public Appointments Committee is set to review the appointment. However, given the Labour government’s majority in parliament, significant opposition to her appointment remains unlikely. If approved, Ciantar will hold both the CEO and Chair positions, further consolidating her influence within the agency.

A Long-Standing Political Connection to Labour

Ciantar’s deep-rooted ties to the Labour Party date back to 2013 when the party regained power. Shortly after Labour’s victory, she aligned herself with former minister Konrad Mizzi, who appointed her as CEO of ARMS Ltd., the government’s utility billing agency. When Mizzi’s political career collapsed amid corruption allegations, Ciantar switched allegiances to Chris Fearne, who subsequently placed her at the helm of FMS.

Her trajectory within the government reflects a pattern in which political loyalty and personal connections play a critical role in public sector appointments. Despite the controversies surrounding her tenure at FMS and her dismissal from the health sector, she has managed to secure another influential role within a key regulatory authority.

Implications for Governance and Public Accountability

Ciantar’s appointment underscores ongoing concerns regarding transparency and governance in Malta. The practice of reassigning politically connected individuals to high-ranking government positions, despite previous controversies, raises questions about the integrity of Malta’s public administration.

Critics argue that such appointments erode public trust in government institutions, particularly regulatory bodies like MCCAA, which are meant to function independently and without political interference. The lack of an open and competitive selection process for the role further exacerbates these concerns, suggesting that political allegiance rather than merit determined Ciantar’s appointment.

Conclusion: A Pattern of Political Appointments

Carmen Ciantar’s career path exemplifies the entrenched culture of political favoritism in Malta’s public sector. From her controversial tenure at FMS to her latest appointment at MCCAA, her trajectory reflects the systemic issues in governance, where political loyalty often supersedes qualifications and transparency.

As her promotion to Chair of MCCAA awaits parliamentary approval, the case raises broader questions about accountability in public appointments. Will Malta continue to witness the recycling of politically connected figures within government institutions, or will there be a shift towards a more transparent and merit-based selection process? Only time will tell.

FAQs

What was Carmen Ciantar’s salary at the Foundation for Medical Services?
Carmen Ciantar earned an annual salary of €163,000 at FMS, a figure that was later deemed irregular by the Auditor General.

What is her new salary as CEO of MCCAA?
Ciantar’s new base salary at MCCAA is €70,000 per year, but with allowances and bonuses, it reaches approximately €95,000 annually.

Why was Carmen Ciantar dismissed from her previous role at FMS?
She was dismissed after Health Minister Jo Etienne Abela replaced Chris Fearne, who had appointed her. The decision was part of a broader restructuring.

How did she secure the MCCAA CEO position?
Ciantar actively lobbied for a new government position after her dismissal, leveraging her strong connections within the Labour Party.

Is her appointment as Chair of MCCAA confirmed?
While she has been listed as the successor to the current Chair, her appointment still requires parliamentary approval.

What was the controversy surrounding her salary at FMS?
Her salary was significantly higher than similar government roles and was criticized as excessive. The Auditor General later flagged her contract as irregular.

Does her new position come with additional benefits?
Yes, in addition to her salary, she receives allowances for expenses, communications, a performance bonus, a government-provided car, and a full-time driver.

What role has she played within the Labour Party?
Ciantar has been a long-time Labour activist, involved in fundraising activities and political campaigning for the party.

Has there been criticism of her appointment at MCCAA?
Yes, critics argue that her appointment reflects a pattern of political favoritism in Malta, undermining public trust in government institutions.

Will her appointment face opposition in parliament?
Given the Labour Party’s parliamentary majority, it is unlikely that her appointment will be blocked.