Partit Demokratiku today repeated its call for a lobbyist register and reform of the Party Financing Law in light of the revelation that two PN MPs have sought sponsorship for a party activity from a business man implicated in scandal.  At the moment, the Electoral Commission is composed of representatives from the two major parties, and those appointed by government.

"Politics is not a business. It should only ever be about public service. Political parties should not be enterprises which depend on donations from shady corporate interests. Malta and Gozo deserve better. We need to have an airtight lobbyist register. It is the duty of the Commissioner of Public Standards to be a prime mover and set the ball rolling,” party leader Godfrey Farrugia said.

“It is the obligation of the Chief Electoral Commissioner to keep track of who is donating to or sponsoring our decision makers. I have also said and repeat that we should make it more difficult for private interests to donate to parties. We should have state financing of political parties, matched with a token tax aimed at the businesses currently setting the political agenda through their donations. Let us cut the puppeteers’ strings," stated deputy leader Timothy Alden.

Partit Demokratiku is of the opinion that there is no situation which justifies Opposition MPs risking the credibility of the Opposition by asking for handouts from a businessman implicated in many of the recent scandals. We fully expect the Nationalist Party to clarify its position on the seeking of sponsorships from individuals implicated in crime.

"Currently, the Electoral Commission is tasked with being judge, jury and executioner, a role which the Constitutional Court has challenged, because the Commission is made up of representatives from the two major parties. We require a genuinely independent Electoral Commission, without appointments made by leading officials," states MEP candidate Anthony Buttigieg.

Partit Demokratiku is the natural home for all those who aspire for clean, meritocratic governance committed to work for the common good.