Prime Minister Robert Abela said on Wednesday that the government wants to be at the forefront of introducing anti-SLAPP legislation.

Addressing a press conference at Castille, he said that in principle the government is completely in favour of having of anti-SLAPP legislation. “The only debate we had the past months was whether we can include that law while at the same time not being in conflict with other laws such as the Code of Organisation and Civil Procedure which regulates the work of our courts, particularly where it concerns the recognition of foreign court decisions.“

“We are not only determined to move in that direction, and our laws already have a number of safeguards, but we also want to be at the forefront of introducing anti-SLAPP legislation.”

He described SLAPP lawsuits as legal action which aims to make the costs to contest them so high that journalists are coerced into submission, as they cannot contest. “One of the points we are seeing in terms of anti-SLAPP legislation is to ensure our journalists are protected and can work. We cannot have the fourth pillar of democracy, journalism, fear of action which is aimed at silencing them from doing their job. We are looking ahead to formalise legislative amendments and we will be looking for your contribution.”

He was asked what the government has been doing over the past month to work on the recommendations that were made by the public inquiry into the murder of journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia.

“Over the past weeks, and I would like to remind people that the inquiry concluded a month ago which saw a voluminous report drawn up, a number of internal meetings took place, as well as consultations with authorities and stakeholders. Naturally, the outcome of those discussions will lead to the drafting of Bills. We have already drafted a number of bills which, when Parliament opens, we would be able to present them to pass through the Parliamentary process and be approved. In terms of good governance this government is committed to making all the changes that are needed.”

“In terms of journalism reform, it is crucial that all journalists participate in the changes we decide to make.” He said that it is crucial for the changes that will be made to be done so together.

Asked again about this subject, he said: “You need to start by analysing the report. The analysis was followed by the first meetings including the one I had with the family of Daphne Caruana Galizia. Meetings were held within the Police Force, and here I make reference to the Unit the inquiry mentioned should be created with regards to the journalism sector, meetings with IGM  and other stakeholders (…) the report was only published a month ago and we have not slept on it.”

He said that the inquiry principles will result in concrete actions.

The Prime Minister was also asked about the €5 million fine issued by the FIAU against Pilatus Bank. He said that this confirms that the institutions are working and doesn’t look at faces. “Regarding the question of criminal proceedings, the inquiry is there, the record of the proceedings is there and naturally the Police Commissioner and the Attorney General need to analyse that report. They are working independently and autonomously without any interference. They will continue to be encouraged to do their work and be given all the needed resources.”

Speaking generally, he said that where proceedings need to be taken, they must do their duty.

Asked whether the government has had any contact with the Vatican over the Pope’s visit to Malta, which is rumoured to take place this year, he said that protocol dictates that what is discussed with the Vatican remain confidential until both sides agree to announce the details of such a visit.

Cannabis reform bill to go before Cabinet in coming days

Prime Minister Abela was also asked about cannabis reform. The government had issued a White Paper months ago, yet did not state how people would be able to legally purchase cannabis not for medical use. He was asked whether he has taken a decision yet on this point.

The Prime Minister said that in the past months the government was in active discussions to, among other things, finalise the bill that will go before Cabinet in the coming days for its final approval. “From there the normal process will go ahead, where it would go before the Parliamentary Group and will then be presented in Parliament.”

“One of the points that must be addressed is that which you mentioned. I agree that it would not make sense to make amendments in this sector while at the same time leaving a vacuum with regards to the source of legal purchase. That is a point that we must reach a final decision about, but in principle I believe that we should not create a legal framework that would incentivise people to go to the black-market. That would go against the spirit of the law.”