Don't wait for constitutional reform to implement Venice Commission recommendations, Delia tells government

The recommendations put forward by the Venice Commission should be put in place immediately and should not have to wait for the constitutional reform exercise to be completed, Adrian Delia said.

The Opposition leader said that despite the Commission having published its report on Malta in December last year, the government has as of yet failed to put in place its various recommendations.

“We insist that the Venice Commission’s recommendations are implemented immediately,” he said on Monday afternoon.

Delia emphasised the importance of amending the Constitution so that the country’s president can only be elected through a two-thirds majority in Parliament.

He said the chairpersons on public authorities, such as the Broadcasting Authority, should also require a two-thirds majority, or an approval from the President, for their appointment.

He also made reference to the Commission’s recommendations regarding the excessiveness of the Prime Minister’s powers, the weakness of existing checks and balances, the need to split the Attorney General’s roles across two positions, and the need to widen the President’s role and powers.

Acknowledging that discussions were ongoing regarding constitutional reform, Delia said that the Commission’s recommendations did not have to wait for this to be complete in order for them to be implemented.

“Nothing is stopping the government from taking on board the suggestions immediately,” he said.

No reply from Prime Minister on president’s appointment

Delia also reiterated his call for the Prime Minister to appoint a president from the opposite political camp.

“In light of the Venice Commission’s report and the need to strengthen the presidency, this becomes even more important.”

There has been no reply from Joseph Muscat on the Nationalist Party’s request in this regard, he said.