Prime Minister John Briceño has defended the cabinet re-shuffle on Tuesday, saying these adjustments will as a whole strengthen his executive team while bringing a fresh approach to several difficult spheres of governance.
‘For example, despite the massive deployments of human and financial resources and the adoption of cutting-edge strategies, both education and citizen security remain areas of keen concern by the public,’ Briceño said in a statement hours after the announcement of the cabinet re-shuffle was made public. The announcement from the Office of the Prime Minister did not give any reasons for the cabinet changes, noting only that they will become effective from Monday, November 17.
The 65-year-old Briceño was re-elected as prime minister in March this year after he led his ruling People’s United Party (PUP) to a convincing victory, winning 26 of the 31 seats with the remainder going to the main opposition United Democratic Party (UDP).
As a result of the cabinet re-shuffle, five senior government ministers have seen a complete shift in their portfolios with one of the biggest changes being that of Kareem Musa, who is no longer the Minister of Home Affairs, a post he’s held since his appointment back in 2020. He will now be responsible for Immigration, Governance and Labour
Prime Minister Briceño said cabinet and the ministries are more resolved than ever to build on the successes of the past five years.
‘We are on the third by the transnational influences that render advancements, sporadic or incremental. One other executive change I will put in place immediately is a special cabinet committee to address cost of living issues.’
Prime Minister Briceño said he will chair this team working alongside Ministers Requena. Fonseca, Mai, Bernard, Mahler, and Garcia Ramirez, along with their chief executive officers.
‘Aside from coordinating organic initiatives to adjust affordability, this special committee will specifically examine the impacts of major government policies across government. So as a protective purchasing power of the working and middle classes,’ he added.