Complaints to Ombudsman decrease after election

Complaints referred to the ombudsman declined drastically after the general election, the 'Ombusdsplan' presented by parliamentary ombudsman Joseph Said Pullicino reveals.

The number of new cases addressed by the parliamentary ombudsman declined by 23% - from 171 between April and August in 2012 to 132 in the same period this year.

Said Pullicino attributes this decline in complaints to the post-election euphoria, which has seen many citizens seeking direct access to the government to seek redress.

"As expected the euphoria of victory increased the expectations of those seeking redress for real or perceived injustices."

The ombudsman expressed his "understanding" for the new administration's willingness to satisfy these demands but warns that "many of these complaints" are not necessarily justified.

But the ombudsman expects the decline in cases to be a "temporary" one and expects a return to normality.

"Since every administration is expected to govern according to the laws and regulations which ultimately regulate the complaints received, it will be impossible for the government to accept any complaint presented to it."

Said Pullicino also welcomed the strengthening of the costumer care service in Ministries, adding that this was something his office always encouraged.

But he insists that access to the office of the ombudsman remains indispensable as it can verify whether government's action is fair, conforms to law and is non discriminatory.

Said Pullicino also notes that during the first three months of 2013, which coincided with the electoral campaign, the previous administration was very careful "to do everything possible" to ensure that his recommendation and final opinion were accepted and implemented.

While noting that the office of the ombudsman always had the full cooperation of the previous administration, he said, "Naturally during the electoral campaign there was an urgency to ensure that the citizen is given a more timely redress".