A delegation from the organisation Repubblika today had a cordial meeting over Skype with the Minister for Justice, Edward Zammit Lewis, at his behest, the NGO said in a statement.

Repubblika reminded the Minister that it is anxious to see a reform regarding the way members of the Judiciary are appointed, that follows current democratic norms. It expressed satisfaction at the fact that before proposing amendments in Parliament, the Government intends to obtain formal agreement in writing from the Venice Commission.

This should occur after effective consultation and wide participation in the drafting of these amendments. The discussion should include civil society under the free scrutiny of the press.

The need to include civil society and the free press in structural and constitutional reforms was clearly highlighted by the Venice Commission. This does not only apply to reforms about the way to appoint the judiciary, but also to any other necessary structural and constitutional reforms.

Following the Minister’s request, Repubblika will prepare a summary of its position with regard to judicial appointments. In the interest of the reform obtaining a successful outcome and a wide consensus, Repubblika asked the Minister to give it a copy of the reforms that the Government intends to carry out before these are sent to the Venice Commission for its consideration, in order that Repubblika and all Maltese civil society may be able to express their views with regard to these reforms while there is still time for improvement.