Since the assassination of journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia, activists have organised several protests warning about the state of the rule of law in Malta and calling for the resignations of the police commissioner and Attorney General.

Former Prime Minister and current Labour MEP Alfred Sant appears to have had enough of it, and has now called for a counter protest to stick up for Malta’s institutions. 

“I am fed up of seeing damage being inflicted on Malta thanks to misinformation about the rule of law which is being spread both locally and overseas,” he said on Facebook. “Everybody has the right to express their views through protests and I think the time has come for those who disagree that the rule of law is in crisis – and I believe they are in the majority – to protest too.”

“Why don’t they gather in a peaceful protest outside the courts under the banner of civil society without the support of the Labour Party or any other political party to solemnly declare in a non-partisan manner that they believe in democracy, freedom of expression and the rule of law and that they are ready to defend these values to the end?”

Sant’s status was praised by several of his Facebook followers, who said they agreed with his call for a counter-protest. 

However, it was criticised harshly by sociologist and PN councillor Michael Briguglio, one of the key members of the Civil Society Network which has organised some of the recent protests. 

“Alfred Sant is showing his anti-EU colours and the Mintoffian heritage against the ‘foreign’,” he tweeted. “We joined the EU to share common values of liberty, rule of law and good governance and not to fill up cosy seats.”

What do you make of Alfred Sant’s proposal? Let us know in the comments’ section

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Tim Diacono

Tim is interested in the rapid evolution of human society and is passionate about justice, human rights and cutting-edge political debates. You can follow him on Instagram or Twitter/X at @timdiacono or reach out to him at [email protected]