Malta Central Bank Chief Resigns Before Trial

Edward Scicluna, the Governor of the Central Bank of Malta, has temporarily stepped down from his position following a court ruling that sufficient evidence exists to proceed with a significant criminal trial against him. This development marks the culmination of a broader effort to remove officials implicated in a controversial hospital privatization deal from 2015, during Scicluna's tenure as Finance Minister. His resignation comes on the heels of Chris Fearne, the former deputy prime minister, who resigned in May as the last remaining defendant in public office. In a statement, Malta’s Cabinet of Ministers indicated that Scicluna's decision was made "in the best interest of the nation." The deputy governor, Alexander Demarco, will assume Scicluna's responsibilities during this period. Despite stepping down temporarily, Scicluna, 77, clarified to POLITICO that he is not being formally removed and intends to remain in his role until his term concludes in December 2025. Prime Minister Robert Abela confirmed that Scicluna will continue to receive his full salary during this time. Scicluna had previously resisted calls for his resignation after Malta’s Court of Magistrates determined last week that there was enough "prima facie" evidence to initiate criminal proceedings related to the Vitals deal, a case that has been a focal point of investigative journalism, particularly by the late Daphne Caruana Galizia. As one of 15 defendants facing lesser charges in the corruption scandal, Scicluna maintains his innocence, emphasizing that central bank governors cannot be removed unless found guilty of misconduct.