Good governance from us all

The need to improve governance across the public sector has been high on the national agenda since 2019

The Labour administration led by Prime Minister Robert Abela has made governance one of its most important courses of action and targets. A real priority. Action took the form of a raft of changes to laws or procedures that relinquished direct Government or Prime Ministerial privilege - shifting it onto parliament or on selection bodies.

For the first time in our country's history, the Chief Justice was unanimously appointed by Government together with the Opposition. There was also agreement on how to appoint future Chief Justices and judges. The Commissioner of Police has been appointed after a public call and parliamentary scrutiny.

This took place while the government remains committed to continue its work in order to implement the recommendations of the Venice Commission.

Our efforts were not limited to new laws and procedures. It is useless to appoint the right people at the top - but then deprive them from the needed resources to be able to do their job. In view of this Government invested heavily in dedicating more financial and human resources in order to support investigative bodies, like the FIAU. In 2013, the FIAU had 15 employees. In 2021, the FIAU plans to have 158 employees on its books. This shows a clear difference between the PN and PL administrations.

I must stress that good governance is not an issue that can be tackled by government alone. Instilling good governance includes both drafting new laws and procedure - but also abiding by already-existing ones.

Government needs to give an example of diligence and discipline and each and every one of us needs to adopt these values in their everyday life. This was my main message during the MCESD meeting I addressed earlier this week, alongside Prime Minister Abela.

It is right for the social partners to expect only the best conduct by Government and its representatives – as much it is important for private entities to issue VAT receipts and declare their incomes in full for example.

We all need to contribute for a better Malta – we cannot excuse ourselves with promulgating ‘common practice’ or expect this from others but not do it ourselves.

I believe that this administration has surpassed the initial test it had been served with in establishing a marked change on Good Governance. I am also positive that we will keep delivering change and attaining results. The crux of rule of law championing is not what you say when in Opposition but more about what you implement whilst governing the country. It is an honour to work side by side with Prime Minister Robert Abela in strengthening Malta’s democratic building blocks.

We remain committed to instil good governance in our public life and also to pass on the right impressions to the world about our country and the way we conduct governance. We believe that this effort will result in more jobs, trust and investment in the country and therefore, a better quality of life.