Prime Minister Robert Abela’s proposal to grant public officials immunity from personal liability in corruption cases has been sharply criticised by the opposition, civil society groups, and independent voices alike, claiming it will undermine the rule of law and foster impunity for misconduct.
The Nationalist Party (PN) immediately denounced the reforms as “irresponsible and dangerous,” saying Abela was putting protection for corrupt politicians and their accomplices above citizens’ rights. Shadow Justice Minister Karol Aquilina insisted the proposal demolished long-standing legal safeguards holding officials accountable for corruption, fraud, and abuse of power. The PN vowed to oppose the reforms in Parliament, the courts, and in street demonstrations.
The civil society group Repubblika described the reforms as an “alarming assault” on Malta’s legal traditions, underlining that officials have a duty to act in the public interest and to report corruption. Removing penalties for complicity, they added, undermines public trust in institutions.
Independent politician Arnold Cassola attacked Abela for perpetuating impunity and for tagging the reforms as contingent on corruption scandals implicating front-line members of both his administration and that of his predecessor, Joseph Muscat: “This is a very serious threat for democracy,” Cassola said.
A protest, organised by Repubblika and Graffitti and supported by Momentum, is to be held in front of the Valletta law courts this Thursday, 16th January, at 6:30 pm, as a call for citizens to come out in defense of accountability and the rule of law.
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