Kurt Farrugia, the CEO of Transport Malta, is set to leave his post following a breakdown in his relationship with Minister Chris Bonett. Sources close to government have confirmed that both men have made it clear they can no longer work together, leading to a "complete fracture" in their relationship.
While Farrugia has not yet formally resigned as CEO, there is widespread consensus within top government circles that an exit is now inevitable. Multiple sources have come forward to confirm the personal clash between the two men, all of whom spoke on condition of anonymity due to the sensitive nature of the situation. One source described the tensions between Bonett and Farrugia as evident from day one.
The plan to replace Farrugia involves appointing Stephanie Bonello, Bonett's current chief of staff, to the role. However, this proposal faces resistance from within the Office of the Prime Minister, which fears that Bonett would then exercise too much influence over Transport Malta and its operations. Sources suggest that Farrugia may be offered a top job at another state entity once he leaves Transport Malta.
Farrugia's departure comes as no surprise to those familiar with the situation. Sources have acknowledged that he has been angling for an exit for several months, while others note that Bonett had made it clear to Prime Minister Robert Abela that he wants a new CEO at Transport Malta. Farrugia himself told Times of Malta that he remains Transport Malta's CEO and declined to comment further.
The breakdown in the relationship between Bonett and Farrugia has significant implications for the future direction of Transport Malta, which is responsible for overseeing Malta's land, sea, and air transport. Farrugia's departure also raises questions about his future role within the Labour Party, particularly given his involvement in planning and organising its electoral campaigns.
Bonett, who was appointed Transport Minister in January 2024, is understood to be pushing for Farrugia to be replaced with Bonello. The plan faces resistance from within the Office of the Prime Minister, which fears that Bonett would then exercise too much influence over Transport Malta's operations. What Farrugia will do once he leaves Transport Malta remains unclear, though sources acknowledged that he may be offered a top job at another state entity.
Farrugia has been Transport Malta's CEO since August 2024 and has played a key role in overseeing the regulator tasked with managing Malta's land, sea, and air transport. His departure is likely to have significant implications for the future direction of Transport Malta and the Labour Party.
