George Hyzler today was appointed Commissioner for Standards in Public Life.

In the presence of President Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca, Deputy Prime Minister Chris Fearne, leader of the Opposition Adrian Delia, and Speaker of the House Anglu Farrugia, Hyzler said that he hopes his contribution can help increase the reputation of Parliament.

He hopes that Parliament can attract the best elements of society.

Delia, for his part, said that the there is higher responsibility for those who hold public office, praising the law regarding his appointment calling it long overdue.

He called the Commissioner a watchdog over the people's representatives.

Fearne praised Hyzler, and said that government believes in transparency and democracy, stating that the appointment of such a Commissioner for the first time ever will1 increase accountability. Such a role, he said, will ensure that MPs adhere to the code of ethics.

The President called the appointment of the first such Commissioner historic and a practical way of strengthening democracy. She said that the creation of this post will encourage more people to consider serving their country through politics.

Asked about his priorities, he said that this is a new office, and his first task is to build his office by hiring staff. His aims are long term, he said.

He spoke of the need to build a culture, for MPs and persons of trust feel that they are subject to scrutiny by an authority with investigative and other powers.

Hyzler acknowledged that there are high expectations of his office, and said that he hopes he could meet them. The law does not give him the power to investigate issues which occurred prior to 30 October, he explained.

Answering questions put forward by the media regarding 17Black, Hyzler said that the law only allows him to take action on acts committed after last October, while also saying that he will not comment about any specific case.

Asked what he would do if the Panama Papers situation occurred today, rather than a few years ago, he said it is not correct to comment on what he would have done without having been investigated and looked at all the facts. If an incident like that happened his now, he said, it would be his job to investigate. Speaking about any future investigations in general, he said that the outcome of his investigations will be to write a report to a Committee presided by the Speaker of the House, or send it to the police, adding that one would have to take each case on its own merits.

Video by Alenka Falzon