Opposition Leader Adrian Delia said that the Nationalist Party has reached ahistoric milestone with the Government for the country.

Several votes were taken in Parliament in relation to Constitutional changes.

In a short statement given by Delia on Wednesday, he remarked that "the Nationalist Party has been instrumental when it comes to working on achieving strong institutions."

Delia explained that during parliament on Wednesday "the Opposition continued to play its full part in ensuring that Malta's institutions are strengthened and are there to serve the citizens and not the government of the day."

"In recent years, due to the abusive way in which the government has used these institutions, the opposition has issued a number of proposals on how to strengthen the institutions of our country," Delia said.

He added that "such proposals include the appointment of the President of Malta, the appointment of the Chief Justice, the appointment of judges and magistrates, the Ombudsman and the Attorney General."

Delia said that "as part of the Constitution, now the President of the Republic as well as the Chief Justice will be appointed by a two thirds Parliamentary majority."

In addition, "the members of the judiciary will be appointed by a selection committee which shall give the names to the same President of the Republic, who will be the one to appoint the judges." 

"The Ombudsman's office will also be strengthened," Delia said.

He added that "after the Venice Commission received a request from Civil Society and completed a report on Malta, more than a year and a half ago, the Opposition stepped up its efforts to make the necessary changes for Malta's citizens."

"What has happened today is undoubtedly a victory for all Maltese and Gozitan people, who now have a stronger Constitution to protect their interests."

"The Opposition has more proposals which will be discussed with the government in the coming months as we are determined to further strengthen the Constitution."

Delia thanked PN MP Chris Said and Justice Minister Edward Zammit Lewis, Tonio Borg, Amy Camilleri Zahra, PN members on the Steering Committee for their work.