The Nationalist Party's anti-corruption bills were tabled in Parliament for a first reading on Monday.

Last week the government refused to table the anti-corruption bills arguing that the 12 bills "contain aspects of a money bill', thus had to be presented by a minister with the President's approval. This was confirmed in a ruling given by Speaker Anglu Farrugia on Tuesday.

The PN later filed the 12 Bills in Parliament on Wednesday, this time split into two groups, one of which includes 11 Bills that do not have any reference to money bills.

The second group includes the proposal to appoint a special inquiring magistrate on corruption. The magistrate would not need approval to start any corruption investigations.

The debate for a second reading is expected to start on Thursday.

The package of 12 legislative bills aim to implement the major findings of the public inquiry into the assassination of journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia and to fight corruption.

The 12 legislative bills must be approved by MPs to become law.