A delegation from the Opposition has met with President of Malta George Vella to discuss the government's Bill to amend the Interpretation Act, saying that it breaches Malta's Constitution.
The delegation, which was led by Opposition leader Bernard Grech and also consisted of the Parliamentary Group Secretary and Spokesperson for Justice Karol Aquilina and Spokesperson for Human Rights and Good Governance Therese Comodini Cachia, met with President Vella on Thursday. The bill in question seeks to allow any public officers to impose high administrative penalties and fines without having to go to court.
"The Opposition strongly believes that it has an obligation to bring their position directly to the President of Malta as the guardian of the Constitution," the Nationalist Party said in a press release.
"It was also explained how the Constitutional Court already gave a number of judgements on this subject and there is no doubt that what the Minister is doing goes against the Constitution", it continues.
The delegation told the President that they have been insisting that Zammit Lewis' bill be withdrawn. They also outlined a number of people have spoken out against the government's proposal.
Amongst them, they mentioned the former Judge of the European Courts and Human Rights Giovanni Bonello; the ex-Dean for the Faculty of Law Professor Kevin Aquilina; ex-European Commissioner Tonio Borg; ex-Judge of the European Courts of Justice Anthony Borg Barthet; ex-Law Commissioner Franco Debono; expert in constitutional law Autin Bencini; and the Chamber of Advocates.
"The Opposition told the President how it is ready to enter into a constructive dialogue with Minister Edward Zammit Lewis and with all those interested to find a solution."
Opposition Leader Bernard Grech called on the government on Wednesday to withdraw the bill in parliament and implored Prime Minister Roberta Abela and Zammit Lewis to find an alternative to the bill's amendment.
"The opposition will continue to be a stronghold for the rights of Maltese and Gozitan citizens as this bill is unacceptable and dangerous," he said.