‘A Grave Attack On Democracy’: Repubblika Slams Appointment Of New Standards Commissioner
Repubblika has taken aim at Prime Minister Robert Abela over yesterday’s controversial appointment of Justice Joseph Azzopardi to the position of Commissioner for Standards in Public Life.
The pro-democracy organisation, a civil society movement with the aim of enhancing human rights and democracy in Malta, slammed the appointment of a Commissioner for Standards without parliamentary consensus as a “grave attack on democracy”.
“History shows that democracy does not die suddenly, but is killed by wounds over time. The hijacking of institutions and spread of ensuing distrust in them is done by various means,” Repubblika said in a statement.
Prime Minister Robert Abela started laying foundations for the simple-majority appointment in November, by instituting an ‘anti-deadlock mechanism’ into Maltese law.
This mechanism would allow the Standards Commissioner to be elected by simple majority following the failure of two votes within seven consecutive days to yield a two-thirds majority – and a degree of bipartisan consensus.
Repubblika congratulated the newly appointed Ombudsman – retired judge Joseph Zammit Mckeon – but stopped short of doing the same for the new Commissioner for Standards, former chief Justice Joseph Azzopardi.
In lieu of congratulations, the organisation issued this message to him instead:
“This person bears a very grave responsibility. He should consider whether his decision to accept the appointment in these circumstances contributes to weakening trust and respect towards the office of the Commissioner for Standards.”
Just last month, the Commissioner for Standards in Public Life was featured in a European Commission Handbook of Good Practices in the Fight Against Corruption.
In their summary of the role of the Commissioner of Standards in Public Life, the EU Commission lauded Malta’s set up as an “example of an independent appointment, supported by the political majority and the opposition in Parliament”.
In light of recent appointments, the EU Commission may need to revise Malta’s inclusion in this handbook.
Repubblika further explained that “Prime Minister Robert Abela has changed the rules so that he alone can choose who he wants to judge his behavior, that of his friends, that of the Opposition, and of the people in a position of trust”.
Reppublika’s perspective aligns with PN voices – who have decried Prime Minister Robert Abela for imposing unilateral appointments.
The organisation explained that this move will undermine trust in a position intended to be independent. They argue that if the public loses faith that there is a semblance of balance in those responsible for public oversight, Maltese democracy will be one wound closer to death.
Repubblika reasserted their commitment to overturning this law and these appointments.
“We will continue to work so that the law is changed again and the appointment for this position is made by agreement between the Government and the Opposition.”
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