In comments made to the media outside Castille, Prime Minister Robert Abela announced that he called for Clayton Bartolo due to new circumstances that had come to light before the Parliamentary Standards Committee. These circumstances, the Prime Minister explained, were different from those previously known and had only reached the Committee’s attention in the past few hours.

As a result of these developments, the Prime Minister confirmed that Clayton Bartolo would no longer remain Minister or Member of Parliament on behalf of the Labour Party.

In his comments, the Prime Minister clarified that Amanda Muscat would be responsible for addressing the financial discrepancies highlighted before the Parliamentary Standards Committee.

Instead of Clayton Bartolo, Deputy Prime Minister Ian Borg will assume the portfolio for tourism. The Prime Minister emphasised the importance of this transition, particularly within the context of the country’s economy, where tourism plays a vital role in sustaining economic growth.

Prime Minister Abela reiterated the significant work the government has been doing, particularly in the tourism sector, which remains crucial for the Maltese economy. Despite the changes in government positions, the Prime Minister stressed that the country would continue to prioritise the development and promotion of tourism, which is fundamental to the sustainable growth of Malta’s economy.