Influence Over Integrity?
In Malta, political and business influence often seems to take precedence over professional reputation. A striking example is Joseph Cuschieri, the former head of the Malta Financial Services Authority (MFSA), who resigned in 2020 following a damaging ethics probe. Despite the controversy, he has now been given another public sector role, The Shift reports.
Ethics Investigation and the Las Vegas Controversy
Cuschieri left the MFSA after an internal inquiry found he breached conduct standards by traveling to Las Vegas with businessman Yorgen Fenech and MFSA’s General Counsel Edwina Licari. The trip, financed by Fenech, raised alarm due to his arrest on charges linked to the assassination of journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia.
The review, carried out by former Chief Justice Joseph Azzopardi, determined Cuschieri’s conduct was unacceptable for someone in his position. Although the findings were completed three years earlier, the MFSA only released the report after The Shift submitted a Freedom of Information request.
Appointed to New Government Post
In spite of the scandal, Environment Minister Miriam Dalli has appointed Cuschieri to lead the Eco-Contribution Appeals Board, a quasi-judicial panel that handles disputes from businesses over eco-tax charges. According to media reports, the decision was made at the direction of Prime Minister Robert Abela.
Appointment Overview
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Role: Chairperson, Eco-Contribution Appeals Board
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Function: Reviews and rules on eco-tax appeals from companies
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Political Context: Appointment allegedly initiated by the Prime Minister’s office
Continued Presence in State Entities
Research by The Shift further shows that Cuschieri remains on the board of Malta Strategic Partnership Projects Ltd (MSPPL), the successor to Projects Malta. This state-owned company has been associated with several controversial deals, including the troubled Vitals-Steward hospitals concession.
Calls for Clarification
Following the announcement of his new role, The Shift has sought a statement from the Office of the Prime Minister, questioning why a figure previously found guilty of ethical misconduct is once again in a high-level public service position.