Celebrating its 50th birthday, the Republic of Malta is sick. Its sickness is manifested in an acute lack of good governance throughout government. The basics of good governance are generally missing, in whole or in part.

The cure required is simple. It involves the constant exposure of the public sector to the disinfecting impacts of transparency. Just like sunlight, transparency is the best governance disinfectant. Let into our lives, the sun is a source of purification, energy and discovery. This is the objective of ensuring that transparency is an essential element in public service. Just like the sun, transparency lights, purifies and brings out that which needs to be addressed by ensuring that it is no longer hidden from view, but exposed and well lit. In the long-term this could lead to a basic behavioural change: the entrenchment of accountability in the operations of the Republic, at all levels, without exception.

Without transparency there is no way that we can ensure a shred of accountability. Transparency is not a destination: it is a long journey. Rules and laws will not bring about transparency. Good governance will only result whenever each one of us opts to do what is right in contrast to what is expedient. Transparency is in this respect a basic and indispensable tool in a democratic republic.

The unanimous appointment, by Parliament, of Myriam Spiteri Debono, as President of the Republic on 4 April 2024 was a breath of fresh air, long overdue. An important first step, yet nowhere near enough to what is required.

Spiteri Debono has repeatedly spoken her mind, especially during the eight months she has been in office. Quite recently, when she inaugurated the Malta Branch of the Fondazione Falcone, she emphasised that it is useless, after having set the tools of democracy in motion, not to subsequently implement the resulting recommendations.

The proper functioning of the Republic is only possible if its institutions can guarantee good governance and accountability. The offices of the Auditor-General, the Ombudsman and the Commissioner for Standards in Public Life are part of the toolbox which the Republic has at its constant disposal. Their activity, many a time, focuses on what is required to ensure that the Republic is administered equitably.

At times, using this democratic toolbox, the Republic can, through their conclusions identify those who are contributing to its developing sickness. Trivialising these conclusions makes matters worse. Once we are aware of the cure, it is then our responsibility to ensure that the Republic embarks on the road to recovery. Unfortunately, repeatedly, the culprits have been identified. Yet minimal or no action has been taken to remedy matters. Worse than that: the culprits have been repeatedly defended.

Rosianne Cutajar's phantom job at the Institute for Tourism Studies (ITS) was uncovered because of my request to the Auditor-General to investigate. The Auditor-General's investigation identified what happened and confirmed that I was right all along. Initially, Robert Abela acted sanctimoniously, causing Cutajar's resignation from Labour's Parliamentary Group. He has now effectively rehabilitated her. As if nothing ever happened.

Pierre Fenech, CEO at ITS, who was directly responsible for creating the Cutajar phantom job, remained in office. He was not held to account, as if nothing had ever happened.

The Commissioner for Standards in Public Life concluded investigations revealing the phantom consultancy assigned to the Tourism Minister's then girlfriend. The holders of political office identified as being responsible for this have not been shouldered with the consequences of their actions. Clayton Bartolo, Minister for Tourism, was only forced to resign because of another irregularity, which, so far has only been investigated by the Financial Intelligence Analysis Unit (FIAU). The Minister for Gozo, Clint Camilleri, has not been held to account for his actions, notwithstanding that his involvement was crucial in order that the phantom consultancy be created. Even the Permanent Secretaries at the two Ministries have ended scot-free, without any form of sanction for their involvement. The duty to be accountable is not restricted to holders of political office.

The Parliamentary Opposition speaks vociferously on good governance, accountability and transparency. Yet simultaneously the Opposition has opted to be led by Bernard Grech, a certified tax evader. It is beyond me how the Parliamentary Opposition expects to be taken seriously as long as it continues to be so led.

It has been stated time and again that Bernard Grech, Leader of the Opposition, administratively settled issues on his tax evasion with the tax authorities after effecting the required payments to the tune of €60,000.

Having a certified tax evader as the leader of a political party sends a very clear message: good governance is not part of the party's agenda, irrespective of all that the party says and does. This is ethical bankruptcy at its worst.

This ethical bankruptcy of the Leader of the Opposition lays to waste the good work done by others on the Opposition benches. Accountability signifies being capable of shouldering the consequences of your actions. You cannot be serious when, after pointing your fingers at others expecting them to blush and resign, you then soldier on, ignoring that your actions clearly signify that you are not fit for purpose.

Accountability applies across the political divide: it is not restricted to the government benches! Even the Opposition must be called to account.

The Republic's sickness has spread. Hope for a possible recovery can only be found beyond the two-party setup which has unfortunately developed over the past 60 years. This mess is the result of an electoral system which has been deliberately rigged to deliver a two-party Parliament. Maybe in the not-too-distant future we can address this as it is only beyond the perimeter of a two-party setup that we can start identifying the solutions the Republic so desperately requires.

An architect and civil engineer, the author is a former Chairperson of ADPD-The Green Party in Malta.  [email protected] ,   http://carmelcacopardo.wordpress.com