The Daphne Caruana Galizia Foundation has become Transparency International’s official contact point in Malta.

Transparency International, which aims to combat global corruption, had never had a presence in Malta before.

“Malta faces the same corruption challenges that are common in many EU countries; and for some of those, such as Golden Visas, Golden Passports and corporate secrecy, the country has become emblematic.”

“But Malta also has some specific characteristics, such as a very polarized bi-partisan system that leads to patronage and clientelism in the form of ‘korruzzjoni’ and ‘klijenteliżmu’ which deserve specific attention in advancing the fight against corruption locally,” Nacho Espinosa, Transparency International’s Regional Coordinator for Western Europe, said.

Malta has faced criticism on the international stage over its ability to tackle corruption and rule of law issues, with conflict of interests rife in political life. Meanwhile, the assassination of Caruana Galizia brought renewed attention to the issues.

The government has introduced sweeping changes. However, major political figures like Konrad Mizzi and Keith Schembri remain under investigation for alleged corruption and trading in influence.

Caruana Galizia’s murder, its surrounding case, and public inquiry have also exposed main suspect Yorgen Fenech’s links to very top echelons of the government. His Dubai-based company 17 Black is linked to several corruption allegations, including the Panama Papers scandal, the Electrogas deal, and the Enemalta purchase of a Montenegrin wind farm.

The Foundation’s Director Matthew Caruana Galizia said:

“We are honoured to join this exceptional movement of anti-corruption practitioners and will benefit from their collective experience and expertise. We hope to bring to the Transparency International movement our commitment to investigative journalism, free media, and the use of data and data analysis, which are instrumental in unveiling the truth and uncovering corruption.”

What do you think of this news? Comment below