A coalition of civil society organisations, including aditus foundation, Repubblika, and The Daphne Caruana Galizia Foundation, has called on the Minister for Justice to pause legislative proceedings on Bill No. 134 and initiate a public consultation process. The Bill, which proposes sweeping constitutional amendments affecting the judiciary’s structure and independence, has already passed its first reading in Parliament.
Key concerns raised include the proposed appointment of a new Commissioner for Standards of the Judiciary, changes to the Chief Justice appointment process, and the lifting of restrictions preventing former judges from becoming President of Malta. Repubblika warns that such changes could compromise judicial impartiality by introducing incentives for political favour, especially in retirement.
While welcoming some provisions, such as allowing the public to file complaints directly to the Commissioner, Repubblika strongly opposes amendments that reduce transparency, such as the removal of public access to judicial candidate shortlists. The group also flagged the discretionary extension of judicial retirement age as a potential threat to judicial independence.
Further criticism targets the government’s inclusion of amendments to the Auditor General’s appointment within a judiciary-focused Bill – seen as a blurring of distinct state functions.
Repubblika reaffirmed its call for a long-promised Constitutional Convention to replace fragmented reforms with a comprehensive overhaul that genuinely safeguards democracy and the rule of law.
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