A 2023 Rule of Law report released by the European Commission about Malta raised “concerns” over the lack of human resources in the law courts which is impacting efficiency.

The government and the opposition both published a statement about the outcomes of this report, the former highlighted the positives that emerged, whilst the latter focussed on the negatives.

A statement published by the Justice Ministry said pointed out how the report “highlights several noteworthy and significant developments that have occurred in Malta over the past year.”

The PN meanwhile took a diametrically opposite viewpoint, publishing a statement signed by PN MP Karol Aquilina which said that the report “confirmed that the justice system in our country continued to go backwards.”

The government’s statement briefly mentioned that the report recommended improving efficiency and increasing human resources, however, the government pointed out the positive impact of legislative changes which have made the court proceedings more efficient and how it has increased the size of the judiciary.

The PN said that this report confirms the PN’s criticism of how the government is allowing the justice system to worsen. Attard cannot remain silent in the face of this situation, the PN said.

Therefore, the PN called for the Minister to intervene and ensure that the courts have all the necessary financial and human resources so that every judge and magistrate will be able to carry out their duties efficiently in a reasonable amount of time.

The report also scrutinised the government’s media reform for still not being enforced two years after the publication of the outcome of the public inquiry into the death of Daphne Caruana Galizia.

In the government’s statement, it defended the three bills it presented to protect journalists and explained that the bills are currently at second reading stage after the committee of media experts requested their term be extended and more consultation be carried out.

“This confirms that Robert Abela and his government want to erase the memory and investigations of Daphne Caruana Galizia and are continuing to treat journalists as their enemy,” the PN said.

The PN also noted how “scandalous” it was that after six years since the Panama Papers were revealed former Prime Minister Joseph Muscat, former Chief of Staff Keith Schembri, former Minister Konrad Mizzi and all those linked to corruption have not been brought to justice.

The government noted how the report acknowledged the perceived independence of Malta’s Judiciary has remained at a high level and the digitalisation process.

The report also mentioned the achievements of the Attorney General’s Office which include the signing of the collective agreement as well as a disciplinary framework for prosecutors. The report further pointed out the successful outcomes that were achieved from shifting prosecution responsibilities from the police to the office of the AG.

Justice Minister Jonathan Attard said that the government is actively demonstrating its commitment to prioritizing the reinforcement of the rule of law in Malta. He further affirmed that this commitment remains unwavering, and the government is dedicated to implementing the proposals outlined in the electoral manifesto. These proposals aim to enhance governance and ensure citizens’ access to a fair and efficient justice system for their benefit.

Attard added that the Justice Ministry received a budget of €50 million, which is the largest budget allocated in its history.