Momentum proposals: Building the Second Republic
Malta’s Constitution was adopted in 1964 and last substantially revised in 1974. Six decades on, it concentrates too much power in the hands of one person, offers weak parliamentary oversight, and gives citizens almost no meaningful way to shape the document that governs their lives. Neither Labour nor the Nationalists have any interest in changing this. They both benefit from the status quo, but most people do not.
Today, Momentum announces three proposals for building a renewed Republic. A democracy where power is shared, scrutinised, and held accountable by our Parliament and our citizens.
1. A Constitutional Convention, citizen assemblies, and a binding national referendum
Executive power is excessively concentrated and Malta’s parliamentary oversight is weak. Citizens have never been meaningfully invited to shape the Constitution. Momentum will work to establish a Constitutional Convention by law, composed of legal experts, civil society representatives, social partners and political actors appointed through a transparent process. Its draft will be submitted to structured citizen assemblies for deliberation and refinement, followed by full parliamentary scrutiny and a binding national referendum. The Constitution belongs to the people, and the people must have a real say in its renewal.
2. Transfer key Prime Minister powers to Parliament
In Malta, the Prime Minister alone decides the election date, the Prime Minister alone decides whether magisterial inquiries are published, and the Prime Minister alone controls high-ranking appointments. Momentum will transfer these powers to Parliament, where they can be properly debated and scrutinised by elected representatives from all parties. No single individual should hold this much unchecked authority in a modern democracy.
3. Widen the definition of ‘juridical interest’ so individuals and NGOs can challenge government in court
Currently, it is extremely difficult for ordinary people and NGOs to challenge government decisions in court. The legal bar is set so high that most citizens are effectively locked out. Momentum will expand the definition of legal standing so that citizens and civil society groups can take action against government wrongdoing without needing to prove a narrow personal interest. If the government acts against the public good, the public should be able to hold it to account.
“The Labour Party and the Nationalists will never reform a system that serves them both so well,” said Arnold Cassola, Momentum’s candidate on the 9th and 10th districts.“They have had sixty years to give citizens a real say in their own Constitution. They chose not to. Only Momentum in Parliament would give them a voice. This is what Bidla ta’ Vera means.”
The choice on 30 May is not between red and blue. It is between a system built for those in power, and one built for those who live under it.
There is hope, you can help!
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