Momentum pitches sweeping anti-corruption overhaul in manifesto plans
Party pledges to change system 'working exactly as those in power designed it to work'
Momentum on Saturday published three anti-corruption proposals from its 2026 manifesto, calling for structural reforms that would change how corruption is prosecuted, how political favours are treated under the law, and how magisterial inquiries reach the public.
“Malta’s two main parties have governed together for decades. Corruption scandals have come and gone. Nobody goes to prison and inquiries disappear into drawers. The system is not broken by accident but working exactly as those in power designed it to work,” Momentum said as it pledged to “change that” if elected to parliament.
Special Prosecutor’s Office for high-profile corruption
Momentum will push in parliament to establish a dedicated Special Prosecutor’s Office with the mandate to investigate high-profile corruption cases independently of regular prosecutorial channels.
“Major corruption cases must receive the specialised attention and resources they require. That cannot happen when the same political networks that enable corruption also control who investigates it.”
Criminal penalties for requesting and granting political favours
Momentum proposed new and stronger laws to establish clear criminal repercussions for those who request favours and those who carry them out.
“The driving licence scandal, the social security scandal, the identity card scandal: these were the direct result of a political culture that treats public services as currency. That culture must become a criminal offence,” Momentum said.
Automatic publication of magisterial inquiries
Momentum pledged that all completed magisterial inquiries should be published automatically as part of standard procedure.
“The rights of parties involved must be safeguarded, and motivated exceptions can apply, but secrecy cannot be the default. Citizens have a right to know what inquiries conclude”
Carmel Asciak, candidate for Momentum on the 12th and 13th districts said: “The driving licence scandal, the identity card scandal, the social security scandal, people were hurt because of political favours. These are not abstract policy debates. They are about whether Malta is governed in the public interest or in the interest of those with the right connections. Momentum’s answer is clear.”