The police need more support in the performance of their duties, ADPD - The Green Party leader Sandra Gauci said Saturday.

Addressing the media, Gauci said "As we have witnessed recently, the sense of order and respect towards the police is slowly being lost. As we can see in the recent events in Ħamrun and in the Sliema police station, we see how the police force no longer instils respect.  Indeed, the police have become an obstacle for those who dare to do what they want.

But as we know, actions speak louder than words.  If justice and the law is being belittled by the hour by those who lead, it is no big surprise seeing people who think they are above the law.  In a country where the mentality is anything goes and "I'm free to do anything I want", it is easy for this to become the general feeling nationwide. 

If the message communicated by the people in power is nepotism and vote-buying favours, it will be difficult for discipline and seriousness to take root.  We have had public officials breaking the law to assist those who wanted a favour.  We have had scandals such as the driving test scandal whereby licences were given out as a favour and not because they were merited, disability allowances given to those who did not have a genuine disability as well as the allegation of 18,000 fake identity cards being issued.  All this conveys the message that government entities are corrupt and ready to break the law for the sake of the few.  Nobody has taken up political responsibility for all this.  Once again, this conveys the message that the law and ethical behaviour does not apply to all. 

All these occurrences lead to demotivation amongst those who work conscientiously and diligently.  A recent survey on corruption conducted by the European Union reveals that 92% of the Maltese believe that corruption is widespread in Malta.  It appears that from 2022 to 2023, an increase of 13% was registered. 

"Discipline and rectitude should start from the top," concluded Gauci.