Maltese MEP Alfred Sant deplored manoeuvers by certain European Members of Parliament to make Malta also subject to rule of law constraints while sharing the hidden agenda of anti-government forces in Malta.
The Maltese MEP, in an intervention on the resolution ‘The rule of law and fundamental rights in Hungary, developments since September 2018’ at the European Parliament, said examination of how the rule of law and fundamental rights in Hungary and elsewhere in the European Union are being respected needs to follow a transparent and objective method, that is fair, is seen to be fair and not based on partisan polemics.
“I have already stated before that I am deeply sceptical as to whether this is happening in this Parliament, though many members here clarioned their devotion to democracy.
“Without reference to Hungary, I deplore the ways by which members of the Parliament are manoeuvering to make Malta also subject to rule of law strictures. In this, they show a flagrant disregard for facts plus a willingness to underwrite comments and analyses that are politically skewed. They collaborate openly with anti-government forces in Malta, while sharing in their hidden agendas.”
The Maltese MEP said it is legitimate for the EU to ensure that the rule of law and fundamental rights are strictly observed.
“If however such assurance is sought on the basis of some “method” or “model” similar to the one being attempted for Malta by members of this Parliament, then the process is one that will shame and tarnish the EU’s proclaimed attachment to democracy, and indeed to the rule of law.” remarked the Maltese MEP.
Over the past years, the European Parliament has carried a number of inquiries about potential deficiencies in the EU Member States, notably in Hungary and Poland. Currently, a Rule of Law Monitoring Group has been created within the Civil Liberties Committee of the European Parliament to inquire about potential rule of law deficiencies in Slovakia and Malta, following the deaths of journalists. They have already prepared a Mission Report and will be presenting a Resolution in plenary at the end of March.