The news that Malta has dropped ten places in the Transparency International Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) means that Robert Abela has failed the good governance test, the Nationalist Party said Tuesday.

Under Robert Abela's leadership, our country has not only fallen to 65th place, but for the first time, it has scored less than 50 points (46 points). This mediocre result confirms that Robert Abela is sticking to the unholy pact he made with a Prime Minister who had been declared the Corrupt Person of the Year, the PN said.

Instead of fighting corruption, Robert Abela is rushing to pass a law on magisterial inquiries to remove the right of private citizens to request investigations by magistrates. He is pushing for this law because he knows he can control Police Commissioner Angelo Gafà and pull the strings as he pleases.

In 12 years, the Labour Party has managed to destroy our country's reputation and create a system of institutionalised corruption. Maltese and Gozitan families and businesses will be the ones to suffer the consequences of Robert Abela's failure.

This is a grave injustice to the hardworking Maltese and Gozitan families and businesses who strive daily to abide by the country's laws. It is also unfair to the thousands of government employees working in agencies, entities, and authorities who are fed up with the abuses being committed by Robert Abela's Government. The PN said it firmly believes that government employees should be free to carry out their duties without political interference and without the fear of government retaliation if they speak up and stop the abuse.

Despite this negative result, Robert Abela and his ministers continue to treat citizens, civil society, and journalists as their enemies, the PN said.

The PN said it is determined to continue fighting against the abuses being carried out by Robert Abela and his ministers.