Malta’s ongoing political crisis may have a long-term impact on the nation’s mental health, the Richmond Foundation has warned.

“As the voice of persons experiencing mental illness, we are profoundly concerned about the effect the current climate of heightened emotions and uncertainty in the country is having on many people,” Richmond said.

“The fact that the very structures forming an integral part of a secure and stable state are being questioned locally and internationally is making people feel insecure and unsafe.”

“Persons who believe in the separation of powers and who hold good governance to heart are experiencing deep distress. We believe that the current situation may have a long-term impact on mental health in Malta and distract from the implementation of policies and strategies intended to safeguard the nation’s health, including the recent Mental Health Strategy.”

The Richmond Foundation said that justice must be allowed to take its course and to be seen to do so.

“The restoration of social trust is essential to individual and relational wellbeing, as is renewed faith in the institutions which citizens look to for their protection.”

“We call on all arms of politics, government, and security to ensure that a normal state of affairs is urgently restored.  Politicians and public officers who are truly committed to serve the common good can stand up and make this happen now.”