Miriam Dalli under fire for Enemalta board appointment

Energy Minister Miriam Dalli is facing significant public and political criticism after appointing Andrew Saliba, a legal partner of her sister, to the role of board secretary at Enemalta, the government-run national energy company in Malta. The appointment has drawn public criticism and renewed accusations of entrenched political nepotism within the current administration.

Saliba, a relatively young and inexperienced lawyer, is a partner at Dalli Advocates, the legal firm run by Veronique Dalli, who is both a former Labour Party media figure and the sister of Minister Miriam Dalli. This close familial connection has amplified concerns about the independence and meritocracy of appointments to critical public sector roles.

Lack of expertise and transparency

Saliba’s qualifications and experience—or lack thereof—have become a focal point of public debate. While he is legally qualified, his career has largely been confined to the legal sector, with no evident specialization or background in energy policy, regulation, or infrastructure. His appointment as board secretary to Enemalta, a major national utility company, therefore appears incongruent with the technical and regulatory expertise typically required for such a role.

So far, the government has not disclosed how much Saliba will earn in this position, which likely comes with significant remuneration and opportunities for professional networking within high-level state and legal circles. Critics argue that this not only boosts his income but gives him access to influence beyond his current standing in the legal profession.

Nepotism accusations deepen

This appointment is not an isolated incident. It fits into a broader pattern of politically connected placements involving Minister Dalli, her family, and her closest political allies. Just a few months prior, Infrastructure Malta appointed Veronique Dalli as a legal adviser on a retainer of €1,400 per month. That appointment was facilitated by Steve Ellul, who at the time had recently been appointed CEO of Infrastructure Malta.

Ellul, a former personal adviser to Miriam Dalli, has refused to provide a clear explanation as to why Veronique Dalli was selected for the position over potentially more qualified or independent candidates. The silence has fueled speculation and furthered the narrative of systemic favoritism within Malta’s public administration.

Political allies and strategic placements

Miriam Dalli’s close association with Steve Ellul has also raised eyebrows. Beyond the Infrastructure Malta connection, Dalli attempted to install Ellul in her vacated seat in the European Parliament—an effort that was ultimately rejected by voters. Despite the public pushback, Dalli appointed him as the founding CEO of Project Green, a government agency launched with environmental branding but frequently criticised for its lack of tangible results or strategic direction.

Project Green, intended to spearhead environmental reforms and sustainable projects, has so far failed to make a meaningful impact, adding further weight to the criticism that Dalli’s network of appointees prioritises loyalty over effectiveness.

Veronique Dalli’s growing influence in state institutions

Since Labour’s rise to power in 2013, Veronique Dalli has quietly but steadily accumulated a number of advisory and regulatory roles across the Maltese public sector. She holds sway in numerous prominent government entities:

• She represents the Labour Party on the Electoral Commission.
• She has served in advisory positions at the Malta Gaming Authority.
• She was given a position with the National Development and Social Fund (NDSF), which manages proceeds from Malta’s controversial cash-for-passports scheme.
• She has served as an advisor in the Ministry of Justice under Minister Jonathan Attard, himself a former colleague from ONE TV.

Her growing presence in multiple state entities and advisory boards has sparked concern over conflicts of interest and the consolidation of political power in the hands of a few well-connected individuals.

Judicial nomination intensifies controversy

Adding to the political storm, Veronique Dalli is reportedly being considered for nomination as a Judge at the European Court of Justice (ECJ)—a prestigious international position that comes with a salary of €300,000 annually. The nomination would mark the pinnacle of her career, but it has also reignited accusations of cronyism.

Opposition figures and legal experts have questioned the transparency and merit of the nomination process, arguing that such a critical appointment should be made through an independent, rigorous selection based on expertise and judicial acumen—not political loyalty or past service to the ruling party.

The role of ONE TV in political career-building

Both Miriam and Veronique Dalli have deep roots in Labour’s media arm, ONE TV. During her tenure as Head of News at the station, Miriam Dalli built a powerful political profile that eventually propelled her into the European Parliament and later into a ministerial post. Veronique Dalli, meanwhile, also served as a presenter and media figure on the same network.

This shared background reflects a broader pattern in Maltese politics, where media roles within party-owned outlets often serve as stepping stones to political appointments, legal consultancies, or public sector leadership roles.

Calls for institutional reform and accountability

Civil society groups, transparency advocates, and opposition parties are calling for stricter safeguards to prevent the politicisation of state institutions. The growing list of appointments connected to the Dalli family highlights the urgent need for clear rules on conflict of interest, transparency in recruitment, and accountability in public service management.

Suggestions have included the creation of an independent appointments commission, more detailed declarations of interest for public officials, and an open call for public sector roles with published shortlists and selection criteria.

Political fallout and public reaction

Public reaction to the latest appointment has been marked by frustration and growing scepticism toward Malta’s political leadership. Many citizens view the appointment of Saliba—and the broader network of interlinked political placements—as further evidence of a culture where merit takes a back seat to connections.

Social media and editorial commentary have echoed the view that the ruling party continues to prioritize internal loyalty over public trust. The cumulative effect of such appointments, critics argue, is the erosion of institutional credibility and a weakening of democracy.

Looking ahead: Will there be change?

As political pressure mounts, it remains to be seen whether these revelations will translate into policy change or resignations. So far, government officials have remained tight-lipped, and no investigations have been announced regarding the Enemalta appointment or the broader pattern of politically connected hires.

For Miriam Dalli, the coming months will likely test her political resilience and credibility, particularly as scrutiny over the use of public funds and state appointments continues to intensify.

Conclusion

The appointment of Andrew Saliba to a key position within Enemalta, despite his lack of sector-specific expertise and his direct professional ties to Minister Miriam Dalli's family, has once again brought the issue of political nepotism in Malta to the forefront. This case exemplifies the growing public disillusionment with perceived favoritism in public sector appointments, where merit and transparency are often overshadowed by political allegiance and personal connections.

As scrutiny intensifies, this controversy highlights the urgent need for structural reforms aimed at reinforcing accountability, depoliticizing state institutions, and restoring public trust in government operations. Without meaningful changes to how public appointments are made and monitored, similar cases are likely to continue eroding the foundations of democratic governance and public service integrity in Malta. The coming months will reveal whether the political leadership is prepared to address these concerns or continue to operate within a system increasingly viewed as compromised by cronyism.

FAQs

Who is Andrew Saliba and why is his appointment controversial?
Andrew Saliba is a lawyer and partner at Dalli Advocates, the law firm of Minister Miriam Dalli’s sister. His appointment to Enemalta’s board raised concerns of nepotism due to his close ties to the minister and lack of relevant experience.

What is Enemalta and why is the secretary role important?
Enemalta is Malta’s national energy agency. The board secretary plays a vital administrative and strategic role, often involving access to high-level decisions and state contracts.

What experience does Andrew Saliba have in the energy sector?
There is no public record of Saliba having any experience or specialization in the energy sector, which has fueled criticism of his suitability for the role.

What previous roles has Veronique Dalli held in government?
Veronique Dalli has held advisory positions with Infrastructure Malta, the Malta Gaming Authority, NDSF, and the Justice Ministry. She also serves on the Electoral Commission.

What is the connection between Miriam Dalli and Steve Ellul?
Steve Ellul is a long-time political ally and former personal adviser of Miriam Dalli. He has facilitated roles for people close to Dalli, including appointing Veronique Dalli at Infrastructure Malta.

Why was Veronique Dalli’s €1,400 monthly retainer controversial?
The contract was awarded without public explanation or competition, raising questions about favoritism and lack of transparency in public appointments.

What is Project Green and why has it been criticised?
Project Green is a government agency launched to promote environmental initiatives. It has faced criticism for a lack of measurable outcomes and perceived inefficiency.

Is Veronique Dalli being considered for the European Court of Justice?
Yes, reports indicate she is a potential nominee for the ECJ, a role that includes a substantial salary and significant judicial responsibilities.

How has the public responded to the Enemalta appointment?
The public response has been largely critical, with many viewing the appointment as a clear case of political nepotism undermining merit-based recruitment.

Has the government responded to the criticism?
So far, the government and the involved parties have not issued substantive responses or justifications, despite media inquiries and public concern.