PN seeks wider reform as standards commissioner for the judiciary is proposed

Updated 4.50 pm

The Opposition is demanding a structured reform of the Constitution rather than piecemeal amendments such as the one for the appointment of a standards commissioner for the judiciary, political sources said on Wednesday.

Justice Minister Jonathan Attard on Monday proposed a constitutional amendment which will see the Commission for the Administration of Justice appoint a standards commissioner for the judiciary.

The prime minister earlier this week told Times of Malta that the proposal was first discussed by an association representing the members of the judiciary. He said the commissioner would oversee the work practices of judges and magistrates, without impinging on their independence. The commissioner would also investigate alleged ethical breaches.

Despite the amendment needing a two-thirds majority to be approved, the PN said on Wednesday that it was only informed about it last week.

"The parliamentary group of the Nationalist Party firmly believes and will ensure that any changes to the Constitution will only happen after broad, effective public consultation involving not just the political parties but also civil society and individuals," it said.

The PN said it was insisting that a comprehensive reform of the Constitution should be carried out, led by President Myriam Spiteri Debono.

It said it is seeking constitutional reforms on the appointment and functions of the Electoral Commission and the Broadcasting Authority as well as the manner of appointment of the police commissioner and the attorney general.

It also wants a reform of public broadcasting and the implementation of the recommendations of the inquiry into the murder of Daphne Caruana Galizia. 

PL says Constitutional amendments 'enjoy full support'

The Labour Party in a statement issued after the PN's comments, said there was agreement from the Opposition regarding the proposed recent constitutional amendments on the judiciary and it expected the agreement to be respected in parliament.

"The Labour Party denies that this reform is a haphazard one, since it finds its basis in speeches made by the Chief Justice at the opening of the 2023 forensic year and the years that followed which were followed by discussions and public statements made by the Government."

It said the chief justice had stressed that "on matters such as the proper administration of justice, it is the whole Parliament that must come together in the best interest of our country's democracy." 

Reacting to that statement the PN said the Labour Party "is lying when it claims that the Partit Nazzjonalista expressed agreement with the Government’s proposed Constitutional amendments".

They said the PN disagrees with some of the constitutional amendments being proposed and has some serious reservations about some others. 

"This will be reflected in Parliament when the bill is debated and a vote is taken".

The Nationalist Party expects the Labour Party and the Government to stop lying and instead, with humility and respect, come forward for discussions as part of a comprehensive and structured process for full constitutional reform, led and guided by the President of Malta with the participation of members of the Constitutional Reform Committee".