NGO Repubblika said Tuesday it is supporting the recommendation made by the Commissioner for Standards in Public Life to extend the time-barring period for investigations into the conduct of public officials. 

The NGO was reacting to the commissioner's ruling on a request made by Momentum chairperson Arnold Cassola that an omission in the Prime Minister's 2022 asset declaration could not be investigated because it had become time-barred.

The NGO urged MPs to amend the law to extend this timeframe, following  the suggestions made  by Commissioner Joseph Azzopardi and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). 

Repubblika said that the current 30-day limit is far too short and creates the impression that MPs are drawing up legislation in a way that shields them from accountability.

It is contradictory that while lawmakers take pride in having removed the statute of limitations on corruption, they simultaneously allowed an extremely brief window for investigating breaches of ethics.

Extending the prescription period would be a step towards tackling impunity, sending a clear message that parliament and politicians are really committed to upholding ethical standards, Repubblika said.