‘Appalled’: MEPs Call Out Robert Abela, Corruption In Malta, Restrictive Abortion Law, And More
The European Parliament (EP) has called out a host of state shortcomings that continue to hold Malta back from becoming a more free and democratic state.
“MEPs are appalled by the Maltese Prime Minister’s statements this month downplaying institutionalised corruption,” a statement reads, seemingly referring to Robert Abela’s response to the driving license racket implicating Transport Malta and former Transport Minister Ian Borg in corrupt activity.
In fact, the law-making body urged for “thorough swift and independent investigations and prosecutions of all public officials allegedly embroiled in corruption, extortion and trading in influence.”
This, they said, should include the vote-buying scheme and driving licence racket.
This comes as part of a new resolution pointing out the need to tackle a culture of impunity, media independence protection, and pluralism.
This vote was passed with a high majority: 437 votes in favour, 14 against, and 66 abstentions.
In the resolution, the EP reiterated its strong position on the lack of protection of journalists on the island as well as the “restrictive” abortion law that was recently passed in Malta.
Additionally, members called out the “persistent lack of progress in prosecuting the crimes that Daphne Caruana Galizia investigated, which point to suspects at the highest political levels.”
“It also denounces the ‘institutional failure of law enforcement and justice in Malta, including the slow progress in proceedings against Pilatus Bank officials and the efforts by authorities to suspend them.”
Meanwhile, the parliament spoke out against the “impunity afforded” to the former prime minister, his chief of staff, and the former minister for tourism, also formerly the minister for energy; police action against activists; the state’s negative rhetoric targeting journalists and obstacles to media freedom and pluralism; the fact that journalists, as well as family members of Daphne Caruana Galizia, are still the target of SLAPPs and; the Maltese Citizenship by Investment programme.
This action was co-financed by the European Union in the frame of the European Parliament’s grant programme in the field of communication. The European Parliament was not involved in its preparation and is, in no case, responsible for or bound by the information or opinions expressed in the context of this action. In accordance with applicable law, the authors, interviewed people, publishers or programme broadcasters are solely responsible. The European Parliament can also not be held liable for direct or indirect damage that may result from the implementation of the action.
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