Independence must mean independent institutions

62 years after independence, we must ask ourselves whether we have done enough to build a country where our institutions are genuinely independent, accountable, and capable of protecting the public interest.

National independence cannot be complete when institutions responsible for upholding the law remain vulnerable to political influence and vested interests. Independence must not only mean that Malta governs itself as a nation. It must also mean that no politician, business, or powerful individual is above the law.

We need a police force that has the independence, resources, and courage to investigate allegations of corruption wherever they lead, including when those allegations concern people in positions of political power.

We need institutions responsible for preventing and investigating corruption to have the authority and resources to carry out their duties effectively.

We need a judiciary whose independence is fully protected, including a transparent and robust process for the appointment of the Chief Justice.

We need a truly independent Public Broadcasting Service and Electoral Commission.

We need to overhaul the electoral system so that all voters are represented and so that the mentality of clientelism is eliminated.

We need a planning system that applies its rules fairly, protects communities and the environment, and does not allow the interests of developers to take precedence over the public interest also with the complicity of the government-appointed CEO.

Independent institutions are the foundation of a healthy democracy. They protect citizens, strengthen public trust, and ensure that political power is exercised within the limits of the law. However, the country cannot afford to have the government ignore and brush aside the findings of bodies like the Ombudsman and the National Auditor.

Carmel Asciak, executive member of Momentum, said, “Malta’s democratic development cannot stop at national independence. We must continue building a country where public appointments are based on merit and integrity, where conflicts of interest are taken seriously, where public funds are managed transparently, and where citizens can trust that institutions work for them rather than for those with influence.”

Momentum believes that the next chapter of Malta’s independence must be a commitment to institutional independence and democratic accountability.

Asciak added, “We want a Malta where the law applies equally to everyone, where justice is not selective, and where public institutions serve the common good.”

“We also need political parties that are independent from developers, major donors, and other vested interests. Party financing must be transparent, properly regulated, and subject to effective oversight, so that political decisions are made in the public interest rather than in response to private funding or influence.”

A truly independent Malta requires truly independent institutions.

There is hope, you can help!

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