The resignation of Mr. Lawrence Cutajar from his role as Police Commissioner was received earlier this morning by Minister for Interior, National Security and Law Enforcement, Byron Camilleri.

Prime Minister Robert Abela, speaking during a press conference, said that this resignation was accepted.

The Prime Minister said that “in his letter of resignation, Mr. Cutajar stated that the appointment of a new Prime Minister calls for a change so as to be able to implement the necessary reforms in the Police Force.”

In light of Mr. Cutajar’s immediate resignation, the most senior officer of the Police Force, the Deputy Commissioner Mr. Carmelo Magri, has been appointed as interim Police Commissioner.

The Prime Minister stated that during the next Cabinet meeting, a proposal for a new mechanism for selecting the Police Commissioner will be submitted.

He explained that this process will lead to greater scrutiny in the selection of this important position in the Police Force.

Prime Minister Robert Abela concluded by reiterating that this government is “committed to upholding the rule of law” and is therefore looking forward to carrying out the “necessary reforms in the Police Force.”

Photograph: DOI/Omar Camilleri

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