Who is to be Malta’s new man (or woman) in Paris?

Published: July 26, 2016 at 3:21pm

Malta’s ambassador in Paris, Vincent Camilleri – a political appointee who is almost 80 and who was Prime Minister Alfred Sant’s ambassador in that city two decades ago – ends his tour of duty this month, the standard three years being up. The invitations are out for a farewell drinks party.

Who will replace Camilleri in the lavishly-appointed apartment in Saint-Germain, where he has been installed with his girlfriend, the retired long-time ballet-teacher Tanya Bajona, since July 2013?

Will it be yet another political appointee, or will the government buck the trend it has set at all of Malta’s European embassies except Rome, and do the sensible thing by choosing a senior career diplomat this time?

Malta's outgoing ambassador to Paris, 80, with his girlfriend, retired ballet teacher Tanya Bajona, in the French capital shortly after his political appointment to that city.

Malta’s outgoing ambassador to Paris, 80, with his girlfriend, retired ballet teacher Tanya Bajona, in the French capital shortly after his political appointment to that city.

Vincent Camilleri, 80, representing Malta in the French capital (shaking hands, on left) - people like this are the equivalent of bed-blockers to career diplomats in the foreign service

Vincent Camilleri, 80, representing Malta in the French capital (shaking hands, on left) – people like this are the equivalent of bed-blockers to career diplomats in the foreign service