Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1275680
IN January, Prime Minister Rob- ert Abela took an oath of office and appointed his Cabinet. From the outset of his mandate, he made it amply clear that good governance would be a major objective of his administration. It was clearly spelt out that the new government would take all necessary action in or- der to enhance economic activ- ity, leading to further growth, but ensure such economic ac- tivity was complimented by the strengthening of structures providing governance in Malta. A set of reforms were metic- ulously prepared in the light of the Venice Commission rec- ommendations that were pre- sented to Malta in 2018. The reforms are extensive, giving rise to structural changes to constitutional and administra- tive posts. The principles that underpin these recommenda- tions are clearly intended to increase checks and balances whilst changing the method of appointment of impor- tant players and consequently strengthening the rule of law in Malta. Even though the Labour ad- ministration had to manage a crisis situation, when the COVID-19 pandemic hit our country, the plan to implement these significant changes was not derailed. The necessary consultations, within govern- ment and beyond, continued at a steady pace, leading to the constitutional changes that were enacted last Wednesday. As a result of the changes pi- loted by Minister Edward Zam- mit Lewis, the President will be chosen by a two-thirds major- ity of Parliament. A proposed anti-deadlock mechanism has now been revised. Rather than move to an absolute majority in the circumstance that a nomi- nee fails twice to achieve the requied support, the President in office will continue to serve until the Parliament comes to an agreement on a successor. The Chief Justice, the Om- budsman and the Chair of the Permanent Commission Against Corruption will also be chosen by a two-thirds parlia- mentary majority. Other Bills passed include a new method of appointment for judges and magistrates, changes to the method of removal of mem- bers of the judiciary and the introduction of judicial review of decisions taken by the At- torney General, should the AG decide not to prosecute. These changes follow the rad- ical change in the system of appointment of the Commis- sioner of Police. Further Bills shall be debated in Parliament to reduce the Prime Minister's discretion in the appointment of both permanent secretaries and heads of regulatory bod- ies and to regulate positions of trust. The last week was a historic week for Malta. We have once again shown that we are ready to take bold steps to strengthen our democracy and our con- stitutional framework. We are thankful to our political fore- fathers, who transformed this country from a British colony to a Republic and for giving us a constitution that has served us for so many years. Today we are no longer dis- cussing white papers or bills but proud that Parliament found consensus in favour of change and the strengthening of our parliamentary democ- racy. Change is a constant. We need to continue to understand the signs of times and contin- ue a structured debate on the necessary changes that are re- quired. Our future as a country does not only depend on the eco- nomic decisions that we take today, but also on ensuring that our political structures are improved and updated. We owe this not just to the Maltese people of today but also to our future generations. 13 maltatoday | WEDNESDAY • 5 AUGUST 2020 OPINION Stefan Zrinzo Azzopardi A historic week Stefan Zrinzo Azzopardi is Parliamentary Secretary for EU funds The last week was a historic week for Malta. We have once again shown that we are ready to take bold steps to strengthen our democracy and our constitutional framework. We are thankful to our political forefathers, who transformed this country from a British colony to a Republic and for giving us a constitution that has served us for so many years The President will now be chosen by a two-thirds majority of Parliament