Momentum denounces government’s erosion of transparency and accountability

Momentum strongly condemns the government’s latest amendments to the Code of Ethics for Members of Parliament. These changes represent a calculated dismantling of the transparency standards required of those in the highest offices of our land.

The tabled amendments effectively weaken the scrutiny applied to the Prime Minister and Cabinet members. By removing the requirement for parliamentarians to declare the property and assets held by spouses and children, the government has created a glaring loophole that invites the concealment of wealth and conflicts of interest.

Furthermore, the abolition of the annual ministerial declaration of assets to the Cabinet Secretary removes a vital layer of oversight. While the government may argue that general declarations to the Speaker remain, the removal of these specific, rigorous requirements is a clear step backwards for good governance in Malta.

Momentum believes that a just economy and a functional democracy can only exist when leaders are held to the highest possible standards of integrity. These amendments do the exact opposite; they shield the powerful from the public eye.

Statement from Arnold Cassola, Leader of Momentum:

“The government is rewriting the rules to make itself less accountable to the Maltese people. By shielding the assets of family members from public view and scrapping dedicated ministerial declarations, they are sending a message that transparency is a burden rather than a duty. This is a dark day for our democracy. Momentum stands firm in its commitment to good governance. We will continue to fight for a system where the sun shines on the finances of every elected official, without exception or convenient omittance.”

Momentum calls on all MPs to reject these amendments and instead work towards strengthening, rather than gutting, the ethical frameworks that protect our island from corruption.

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