Controversy grows over Justyne Caruana’s Four Jobs

Former Gozo Minister Justyne Caruana has found herself at the center of controversy once again, holding four concurrent government positions that collectively provide her with an income of €15,000 per month. An analysis of her contractual obligations reveals that Caruana is expected to work over 120 hours a week—a staggering workload that has raised questions about feasibility, transparency, and propriety.

This case highlights broader concerns about government appointments, accountability, and the ethical implications of public servants managing multiple roles simultaneously. Below is a detailed examination of Caruana’s various jobs, the timeline of her career controversies, and the public response to her situation.

The Four Jobs: Roles and Responsibilities

1. Adviser on Tax and Customs

Caruana’s most recent role, discovered shortly before Christmas, is as an adviser to the Tax Department on tax and customs matters. This position, acquired through a direct order rather than an open call, pays her €78,000 annually. Caruana’s qualifications for this role have come under scrutiny, as she is not known to possess specific expertise in tax or customs law. She is expected to dedicate 30 hours per week to this position.

2. Legal Counsel for the Lands Authority

Caruana serves as the Gozo-based lawyer for the Lands Authority, earning €3,000 monthly for a minimum of 20 hours per week. This role involves handling legal matters related to land management in Gozo, complementing her background in law.

3. Adviser to the Health Minister

Health Minister Jo Etienne Abela has appointed Caruana as a person of trust, a role that pays over €20,000 annually, excluding allowances for car usage and communication expenses. This advisory position demands another 20 hours of her time weekly.

4. Senior Legal Officer at the Victims Support Agency (VSA)

Her full-time position as a senior legal officer at the government’s Victims Support Agency provides her with a €40,000 annual salary. Notably, this is the only position she acquired through an official public call, joining the VSA shortly after her second dismissal from the cabinet in 2021.

Timeline of Controversy

Early Political Career and First Dismissal

Elected to parliament in 2003, Justyne Caruana’s political journey has been marked by both accomplishments and scandals. Her first dismissal occurred when revelations surfaced about her then-husband, former Deputy Police Commissioner Silvio Valletta, having a close relationship with Yorgen Fenech—the businessman accused of orchestrating the assassination of journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia. Although Caruana denied prior knowledge of her husband’s dealings, she resigned from her ministerial role and later separated from Valletta.

Reappointment and Second Dismissal

Less than a year after her initial resignation, Caruana was reappointed to the cabinet as Education Minister under Prime Minister Robert Abela. However, this tenure was short-lived. She faced allegations of favoritism when she awarded an irregular €15,000 consultancy contract to her partner, former footballer Daniel Bogdanovic. The Standards Commissioner’s investigation concluded that she had abused her position, leading to her second dismissal in December 2021. Following this, Caruana did not contest the 2022 general elections.

Golden Handshakes and Perks

Despite her dismissals, Caruana received €30,000 as part of the golden handshake entitlement for outgoing members of the government. This payout, coupled with her subsequent appointments, has fueled public criticism about the perceived lack of accountability in government operations.

Public Outcry and Investigations

Caruana’s case is not isolated. Similar controversies have emerged, such as the revelation that Ryan Pace, a lawyer managing Robert Abela’s private legal office, holds 11 different government retainers. These instances have prompted the National Audit Office (NAO) to launch investigations into the propriety of such appointments.

The public’s reaction to Caruana’s roles underscores growing frustration with the Maltese government’s use of direct orders and “person of trust” appointments. Critics argue that these practices undermine meritocracy, transparency, and public confidence.

Ethical Implications

Workload Concerns

Caruana’s contractual commitments amount to over 120 hours per week, raising obvious questions about how she can feasibly fulfill these obligations. Additionally, she manages her private legal practice in Gozo, further complicating her schedule. Critics contend that this scenario exemplifies poor governance and a lack of oversight in public sector appointments.

Conflict of Interest

Her multiple roles also raise concerns about potential conflicts of interest. For example, her advisory position for the Tax Department could intersect with her legal duties for the Lands Authority, creating ethical dilemmas.

Reforms and Recommendations

Transparency in Appointments

The government should prioritize transparency by requiring open calls for all public sector positions. This would help ensure that roles are awarded based on merit and expertise rather than personal or political connections.

Limits on Concurrent Roles

Imposing limits on the number of government roles a single individual can hold would reduce the risk of overextension and potential conflicts of interest. It would also foster a more equitable distribution of opportunities.

Regular Oversight and Audits

Independent audits of public appointments and contractual obligations could deter misuse of power and enhance accountability. Institutions like the NAO should be empowered to act decisively on findings of impropriety.

Conclusion

The case of Justyne Caruana serves as a microcosm of broader systemic issues within Malta’s public administration. It highlights the urgent need for reforms to enhance transparency, accountability, and ethical governance. As investigations unfold, the Maltese public will be watching closely, demanding answers and accountability from their elected officials.

FAQs

What roles does Justyne Caruana currently hold?
She holds four government roles: adviser on tax and customs, legal counsel for the Lands Authority, adviser to the Health Minister, and senior legal officer at the Victims Support Agency.

How much does Justyne Caruana earn monthly from her government jobs?
Her combined monthly income from these roles is approximately €15,000.

Why is Justyne Caruana’s workload controversial?
Her contracts suggest a workload exceeding 120 hours per week, raising concerns about feasibility and transparency.

What led to Justyne Caruana’s first dismissal from the cabinet?
Her first dismissal followed revelations about her then-husband’s close ties with businessman Yorgen Fenech, who is accused of orchestrating Daphne Caruana Galizia’s assassination.

What was the reason for her second dismissal?
She was dismissed for awarding an irregular €15,000 contract to her partner, which was deemed an abuse of power by the Standards Commissioner.

What is a golden handshake in Malta’s political context?
It refers to a severance payment given to outgoing members of the government. Caruana received €30,000 after her second dismissal.

Are similar cases common in Malta?
Yes, other cases, such as that of lawyer Ryan Pace holding 11 government retainers, have also sparked controversy.

What reforms are being recommended to address such issues?
Proposals include greater transparency in appointments, limits on concurrent roles, and regular independent audits of public sector contracts.

Who is investigating Caruana’s appointments?
The National Audit Office (NAO) is investigating her multiple roles and the processes behind her appointments.

Why does this case matter to the public?
It underscores systemic issues in governance, raising concerns about meritocracy, transparency, and ethical standards in Malta’s public administration.