Cabinet reshuffle: Konrad Mizzi loses portfolios but stays in Cabinet

Konrad Mizzi has lost both his energy and health portfolios but will stay on as a minister without portfolio following a Cabinet reshuffle announced this afternoon.The reshuffle was announced by Prime Minister Joseph Muscat at a press conference this afternoon.“The Panama affair hurt us – politically and personally. Although there was nothing illegal, we expect better behaviour,” said Dr Muscat. Dr Mizzi will also resign as Labour Party deputy leader, the Prime Minister said. His chief of staff Keith Schembri would carry on, the Prime Minister said. “He is not a political figure and he enjoys my trust.” Dr Mizzi and Mr Schembri were both implicated in the Panama Papers, though they both insist they did nothing wrong. Dr Muscat has absorbed the energy portfolio himself, with former parliamentary secretary Chris Fearne being promoted to Health Minister.The reshuffle returns former Home Affairs minister Manuel Mallia to the Cabinet, with Dr Mallia being appointed Competitiveness Minister.Former Environment Minister Leo Brincat has been nominated to the European Court of Auditors, after former PL deputy leader Toni Abela's nomination was roundly rejected earlier this month. The...