aditus foundation publishes its feedback on Malta’s Proposed Legislative Changes further to the Venice Commission Report on Malta

aditus foundation has presented its feedback on Malta’s Proposed Legislative Changes to the European Commission for Democracy through Law (Venice Commission) further to its Report on Malta published in 2018. aditus also had the opportunity to discuss its views on the proposed changes, together with other local civil society actors, with the rapporteurs of the Venice Commission.

As we have repeatedly underlined in all our advocacy efforts over the past years and in our communications with the Venice Commission and the European Parliament’s ad-hoc Delegation to Malta, our concerns are centred on a rights-based understanding of good governance, requiring a healthy and functioning rule of law to ensure the respect, protection and fulfillment of the fundamental rights of all persons living in Malta.

In our document we highlighted the importance of rolling out the much-needed reform, whilst also highlighting that any changes need to be part of a broader reform which takes into account the context of Malta’s political, media and civil society landscape that has shaped the reality that we live in today.

We also noted our frustration that there was no broad civil society involvement in the formulating any of the intended changes put forward by the Government.

Our document which can be accessed here reviews Malta’s proposals in the following areas:

  • Judicial appointments;
  • The Chief Justice;
  • Judicial Discipline;
  • Prosecution;
  • The Permanent Commission Against Corruption (PCAC);
  • The Ombudsman;
  • The Prime Minister;
  • Permanent Secretaries;
  • Persons of Trust;
  • The President of Malta;
  • Erga Omnes’ Obligations.