Malta’s Institutions Now Stronger And More Independent Than Ever, Says Prime Minister Robert Abela
Malta this week hosted the International Ombudsman Conference, marking the 30th anniversary of the Office of the Ombudsman. Held in Valletta under the theme “Upholding Good Governance in Challenging Times”, the conference brought together ombudsmen, governance experts, and senior public officials from across Europe to discuss the evolving role of oversight institutions in modern democracies.
Prime Minister Robert Abela delivers a speech at the Ombudsman Conference
Addressing the opening session, Prime Minister Robert Abela highlighted Malta’s progress in strengthening the independence and effectiveness of its institutions, declaring that they are now “stronger and more independent than ever before”.
Prime Minister Abela noted that powers once held solely by the Government or the Prime Minister have now been distributed more widely among Parliament and the President, reinforcing the balance of Malta’s constitutional order.
Prime Minister Robert Abela said, “The processes of scrutiny and consultation that we have introduced in constitutional appointments, in the drafting of laws, and in the governance of public office, stand as clear evidence of a democracy that has grown more robust.”
He outlined several key reforms aimed at reinforcing good governance. These include greater transparency in public appointments, the strengthening of judicial independence through a merit-based system of selection and promotion, and new legislation promoting integrity and ethics in public life.
Prime Minister Abela explained that judicial reform alone has expanded the size of the judiciary by over 40 per cent within three years. These reforms, he added, have been recognised by European institutions, including the Venice Commission of the Council of Europe, which Malta currently chairs.
Prime Minister Robert Abela added, “These reforms were not undertaken to satisfy any particular institution or entity, but to fortify the bond of trust between the people and the State.”
He concluded, “My commitment is clear: to continue giving true meaning to good governance, a governance that is felt in people’s daily lives, that provides stability, and that places the citizen and justice at its very centre. This is how we build a future of mature democracy and leadership rooted in service.”
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