OPM And Bonett Reportedly At Odds Over Transport Malta Appointment

A behind-the-scenes disagreement has reportedly emerged within government over who should become the next CEO of Transport Malta following Kurt Farrugia’s expected departure.

According to Times of Malta, the Office of the Prime Minister is backing Labour Party CEO Leonid McKay to take over the authority, while Sustainable Mobility Minister Chris Bonett is said to favour his chief of staff, Stephanie Bonello.

The reported disagreement follows a breakdown in the working relationship between Farrugia and Bonett. Speaking to reporters on Wednesday, Prime Minister Robert Abela confirmed that Farrugia will be leaving Transport Malta following what he described as a “smooth transition”, although he did not indicate when the change would take place.

Asked about reports of tensions between Farrugia and Bonett, Abela described them as a “clash of personalities” and said Farrugia still had more to contribute within government.

Transport Malta is one of the government’s largest authorities, overseeing land, sea and air transport. It has seen three different CEOs since Bonett became transport minister in January 2024.

According to the report, officials within Castille have raised concerns that appointing Bonello, who currently serves as Bonett’s chief of staff, could make the authority too closely aligned with the ministry.

Who do you think should lead Transport Malta next?

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Dylan Attard

Dylan Attard is a Social Media Executive at Lovin Malta and a proud Gozitan with a passion for digital media, content creation, and social trends. Outside of work, you’ll usually find him at the gym, watching series or doomscrolling.