PN officially presents its proposals for a more efficient Parliament to government

The Nationalist Party today officially presented its proposals for a more efficient Parliament to the government for discussion.

Unveiled back in July, the proposals include the introduction of a Prime Minister’s Question Time, similar to the system used in the UK Parliament.

The Opposition is asking the PM to submit a list of contenders for the role of Commissioner for Standards in Public life, so that it would be able to scrutinise the nominees.

Another proposal relates to higher scrutiny of public roles, such as the chairpersons of public authorities, ambassadors and high-ranking members of the armed forces.

It is also proposing a dedicated period of time, possibly every two weeks, were MPs would have the opportunity to ask the Prime Minister specific questions. This, the PN says, would improve accountability and would also give backbenchers the opportunity to ask questions to the PM directly.

Building on a recurrent problem since MPs are just employed on a part-time basis and still retain their day job is the proposal to equip Parliament with more researchers so that they can be more prepared when technical debates crop up in Parliament. Since laws are becoming more and more technical, MPs require more prep-time before debates.

Another proposal aims to increase female participation in Parliament. This can be done, in part, by increasing Parliament’s respectability and improving the way MPs speak to each other.

The Opposition is also proposing that private member’s bills should be discussed on dates agreed by both sides rather than wait the customary three months for a bill to make it to the floor.

The final proposal revolves around Constitutional reform, where the PN argues that a twothirds parliamentary majority would be required.

The proposals were sent in a letter to Deputy Prime Minister Chris Fearne, which was also copied to Government Whip Byron Camilleri.

The PN urged the government to agree to these proposals and implement them by 2 October, when Parliament sessions resume.

The government has said it was open to discussing the proposals after the PN leadership election.