A public sector reform the government intends to undertake would open the doors to persons of trust being allowed to represent Malta within highly technical and specialised EU-wide fora, PN representatives have warned.

Speaking at a press conference on Wednesday, MEP candidate Peter Agius said the government ought to train public sector employees on European negotiations, with greater emphasis on soft skills related to EU decision-making.

Those selected to represent Malta in key forums should be referred to the parliamentary committee for European affairs for approval, he added, with minimum criteria for experience in the related policy area established.

Dr Agius, MP Karol Aquilina and local council candidate Pierre Portelli were presenting the PN’s proposals for a more competent public sector.

“It is essential that the best qualified people represent Malta in all these working groups,” Dr Agius said.

“To do so we need to promote competency rather than likeability, qualifications and experience rather than political partisanship.”

As an EU member state, Malta has a seat in around 210 working groups within EU institutions. These groups shape policies and government positions following negotiations with MEPs in parliament.

Dr Aquilina warned that the government’s proposed public sector reform would cast shadows of impartiality over people chosen to represent the country in such groups.

“Public sector employees deserve much better,” he said.

The PN’s also made proposals for people chosen for key EU-related posts to appear before a parliamentary committee and for a special committee session to focus on Gozo and how it is being represented within EU institutions.