Frank Psaila’s Arts Council consultancy raises questions

Frank Psaila has been a recognizable figure in Maltese politics for more than a decade. Once an active member of the Nationalist Party (PN), Psaila served as a spokesman for the party and was a candidate for the 2019 European Parliament elections. His career, however, took a different direction after his unsuccessful bid for a seat in Brussels.

Following his resignation from the PN, Psaila gradually distanced himself from his earlier affiliations. In recent years, observers have noted his closer ties with the Labour Party (PL). His appearances at Labour events, including occasions where he interviewed Prime Minister Robert Abela, underscored this perceived shift. Against this backdrop, his more recent contractual engagement with the Arts Council Malta has sparked fresh debate over political patronage and the use of public funds.

The Arts Council consultancy contract

In July 2024, Psaila was engaged by Arts Council Malta as a consultant on public relations and marketing, receiving €14,000 annually through a direct order. According to information made public, this arrangement was not the result of a competitive selection process but rather a direct contractual award.

Sources within the Arts Council, who spoke on condition of anonymity, told investigative outlets that the initiative originated from the Ministry for Culture, headed by Minister Owen Bonnici. They alleged that the Council’s leadership was instructed to place Psaila on the payroll, despite concerns regarding the scope and nature of his contributions.

While official documents confirm that Psaila’s remuneration is issued through the Arts Council, insiders suggested that his role is less connected to the Council’s day-to-day work and more aligned with directives from the Ministry.

Leadership changes at the Arts Council

The contract was signed under the leadership of Albert Marshall, who at the time served as Chief Executive Officer of Arts Council Malta. Marshall has since stepped down, and the position is now held by Luke Dalli, a lawyer by profession and the son of former Labour minister and current European Commissioner Helena Dalli.

Dalli’s own appointment attracted attention earlier this year after media reports revealed that he was placed on a contract worth €102,000 annually. The size of the remuneration and the manner of appointment, which was said to involve direct intervention from Prime Minister Robert Abela, added to ongoing debates about governance within publicly funded cultural institutions.

Broader use of direct orders in the Arts Council

Psaila’s contract is not an isolated case. A review of direct orders published in the Government Gazette indicates that Arts Council Malta has increasingly relied on such arrangements to fill positions and secure services. Critics argue that this system circumvents established recruitment procedures intended to ensure fairness, merit, and transparency.

According to the records, direct orders have been used not only for specialized consultancy but also for basic administrative and office work. Even entry-level positions, such as receptionist roles, have reportedly been filled in this manner. This pattern has raised concerns about the long-term impact on institutional credibility, meritocracy, and the fair use of taxpayer money.

Concerns over political patronage

Critics of the practice argue that direct orders, particularly when they involve individuals with political backgrounds, may serve as instruments of patronage. The awarding of consultancy contracts to former party activists has been described by some commentators as part of a “sweetening campaign,” designed to project the image that opposition figures are gradually aligning themselves with the government.

Such a perception, critics note, risks undermining public trust in both cultural institutions and the political process. By contrast, defenders of the practice argue that consultancy contracts are a legitimate means of drawing upon the skills and expertise of individuals who may otherwise not apply for permanent public sector positions.

The role of Owen Bonnici

Minister Owen Bonnici, who oversees the Ministry for National Heritage, the Arts and Local Government, is said to have played a key role in the decision to place Psaila on the Arts Council’s payroll. While Bonnici has not publicly commented in detail on this specific contract, sources within the Arts Council have suggested that the instruction came directly from his office.

Bonnici, a prominent Labour politician, has previously faced scrutiny over his management of cultural and heritage portfolios, particularly with regard to the use of direct orders and the centralization of decision-making. Supporters describe him as a strong advocate for cultural development, while critics argue that his approach has blurred the line between cultural administration and political strategy.

Political shifts and public perception

Psaila’s shift from a PN spokesman to a government consultant is emblematic of broader political dynamics in Malta. The phenomenon of former opposition figures taking up roles within government structures is not new, but each case tends to generate debate about motivations and public trust.

Observers note that Psaila’s trajectory—from party spokesman and MEP candidate, to political commentator, to cultural consultant under a Labour administration—illustrates the permeability of political boundaries in Malta. Whether this reflects pragmatism, ideological evolution, or political patronage is a matter of interpretation, but the debate highlights underlying tensions in Maltese public life.

Accountability and transparency in cultural governance

The case has reignited calls for greater transparency in how public cultural institutions award contracts and recruit personnel. Cultural governance advocates argue that positions within taxpayer-funded organizations should be subject to competitive processes to ensure fairness and meritocracy.

Questions have also been raised about the effectiveness of consultancy arrangements in achieving their stated objectives. Without clear deliverables or publicly available performance assessments, it is difficult for citizens to evaluate whether such expenditures represent value for money.

Wider implications for the public sector

The reliance on direct orders extends beyond the Arts Council and is a recurring feature in other parts of the Maltese public sector. Critics have long argued that this practice undermines the principles of open competition, risks favoritism, and erodes confidence in institutions.

For a small country where political affiliations are closely scrutinized, the awarding of contracts to individuals with visible political histories inevitably fuels speculation about the underlying motivations. Transparency, accountability, and the perception of fairness remain central to maintaining public trust.

Conclusion

Frank Psaila’s consultancy contract with Arts Council Malta illustrates the intersection of politics, culture, and public administration. While officially framed as a professional engagement in the field of public relations and marketing, the circumstances surrounding the direct order have led to broader debates about governance, transparency, and political influence.

As Malta continues to develop its cultural sector, the governance of institutions like the Arts Council will remain under scrutiny. Ensuring that recruitment and contractual practices align with principles of fairness and accountability may prove essential to maintaining the credibility of these organizations and the trust of the public they serve.

FAQs

What is Frank Psaila’s role at Arts Council Malta?
He is engaged as a consultant on public relations and marketing under a direct order contract valued at €14,000 annually.

How was Frank Psaila appointed to this position?
He was contracted through a direct order, rather than a competitive recruitment process, in July 2024.

Why has his contract attracted attention?
It has raised concerns about political patronage and the use of public funds, given Psaila’s past role as a PN spokesman and later appearances at Labour events.

What is a direct order contract?
A direct order allows public entities to award contracts without an open call or competitive process, usually under specific legal provisions.

Who signed Frank Psaila’s contract?
The contract was signed by Albert Marshall, then CEO of Arts Council Malta, who has since been replaced by Luke Dalli.

What is known about Luke Dalli’s role?
Luke Dalli, appointed CEO in 2024, is on a contract reported to be worth €102,000 annually. His appointment also attracted attention due to its high remuneration.

What concerns exist about direct orders at the Arts Council?
They are often used to bypass public recruitment rules, with critics arguing this undermines fairness and transparency.

Has Minister Owen Bonnici commented on Psaila’s contract?
While he has not issued detailed comments, sources suggest the decision to engage Psaila came from his ministry.

Is Psaila known for political activity after leaving the PN?
Yes, he has appeared at Labour Party events, including interviewing Prime Minister Robert Abela.

What are the broader implications of this case?
It highlights ongoing debates about political patronage, transparency, and the use of direct orders in Malta’s public sector.