The Nationalist Party discussed constitutional amendments in separate meetings with the rule of law group Repubblika and the Civil Society Network on Wednesday.

The meeting with Repubblika was held a day after the group issued its reaction to government proposals on constitutional change, particularly judicial appointments. The government's proposals are being considered by the Council of Europe's Venice Commission, which had called for the changes in a report in 2018.

The NGO said that during its video conference with the PN, it noted that the party was open to considering alternative methods for judicial appointments despite having backed a resolution in parliament which referred to an agreement reached with the government.

It also observed that the PN had declared it wanted genuine independence of the judiciary.

The Nationalist Party quoted Opposition leader Delia as saying during the meeting with Repubblika that the PN's proposals, published a few days ago, were aimed at ensuring that the constitution was an effective bulwark against government abuses and so that the prime minister would be shorn of excessive powers while strengthening the institutions. 

He said the PN's proposals were broader than what the Venice Commission had called for, including the need for senior appointments to be made by qualified majority in parliament.

The PN delegation also included general secretary Francis Zammit Dimech, MPs Chris Said, Karol Aquilina and Jason Azzopardi and former deputy prime minister and European Commissioner Tonio Borg.

Vicki Ann Cremona led the Repubblika delegation with Robert Aquilina and Manuel Delia.

The PN is due to hold a meeting with the Venice Commission later this week.