Parliamentary scrutiny of proposed chairpersons ‘would represent a change in status quo’

Parliamentary committee approving the clauses of the Environment Protection Act debates once again how the executive chairperson should be appointed

If parliament is allowed to scrutinize the nominee to serve as chairperson of the Environment Authority would be a step forward in changing “the status quo”, independent MP Marlene Farrugia reiterated this evening.

Parliament is fine-tuning the Environment Protection Act in its second reading, before it goes for the third reading and the opposition tried to convince the government to support an amendment calling for parliamentary scrutiny.

Joining the opposition, Farrugia told parliament that she was also making her request on behalf of Alternattiva Demokratika.

The suggestion is, that whilst the chairperson is appointed by the minister, the parliamentary committee for the environment would be able to scrutinize the nominee before the appointment takes place.

Backbencher Charles Mangion argued that there was nothing stopping the parliamentary committee from scrutinizing the work of the chairman. He further questioned whether the appointment of a chair following parliamentary scrutiny was in itself "a guarantee" that the person appointed was the right person for the job.

However, Farrugia insisted that allowing scrutiny would also be in line with electoral pledges to give more power to the people.

“The people got rid of the previous administration because they wanted to change the status quo. We can open our governance to the people. What is the problem of the Labour Party to stick to its promises? Reality is that it fears sharing its power with the people,” Farrugia said, as the opposition showed their support to her intervention.

Addressing people at home following parliament, the former Labour MP likened the appointment of the chairman to a couple seeking a nanny to take care of their children.

“The Labour Party is telling you to let a third party choose a nanny to take care of your children and then see later whether he or she is capable for the job or not,” she said.

Both PN MPs Ryan Callus and Marthese Portelli repeatedly asked parliamentary secretary Michael Falzon to explain why the government was adamantly against the proposal. Falzon said he had no further remarks to make.

The clause in question is one of the reasons why Farrugia resigned from the Labour parliamentary group.