The impunity and corruption that characterised the political scene and Maltese institutions over the past years, as well as the decision by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) to grey list Malta are exposing the lives on many families to great risk, civil society NGO Repubblika said.

Repubblika wrote a letter to the Prime Minister the day after it emerged that the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) placed Malta on the list.

"19 months ago, together with tens of thousands of Maltese, we took to the streets to protest against corruption and impunity. Those protests opened the door for you to become Prime Minister."

"The fact that in your first days in office, you said you will implement a policy of continuity, did not breed hope that the country will move away from dirty and corrupt politics."

The letter read that over the 17 months that he has been Prime Minister, corrupt politicians who tarnish Malta's name kept on benefitting from complete immunity. "There are those who are still MPs and others who resigned in all comfort. But it seems they all have their minds at ease that justice will not reach them."

Repubblika said it has written to the Prime Minister on a number of occasions, but he never responded, and that the NGO's requests to discuss good governance were ignored.

"Talk that the institutions are working is just talk. We need facts. It is not enough for laws to remain on paper."

The NGO said that it would be "indispensable to make use of the laws to actively fight corruption and money laundering. Those who are caught abusing need to be brought to justice."

"Our institutions failed our people."

The FATF's decision to place Malta on the grey list is "a direct consequence of the actions and omissions of those entrusted to lead out country."

Repubblika appealed to the Prime Minister to make radical and clear change in the government's direction. "A change is needed, from politics built on populism and impunity, to one based on accountability that works on the principles of the rule of law and democracy."

"That is the only way we can surpass the problems that are putting us in serious peril. That is the only way the country can win back respect that we always aspire to have, without which we can never again have the peace of mind we deserve."