NGO Repubblika today published "A working republic", a draft five-year programme for democratic renewal for the years 2026-2031. The document is being issued for public consultation, and citizens are invited to give their views over the coming six weeks, after which a final version will be presented to the political parties contesting the 2026 general elections.

Close to Republic Day, Repubblika said that the initiative is a response to the declining public trust in institutions, repeated failures in upholding the rule of law, political interference in entities responsible for safeguarding integrity, pressure on journalists, and the social and environmental consequences of weak governance. While Malta's constitutional history and democratic tradition make us proud, Repubblika said that these cannot sustain themselves alone and require deliberate renewal.

Repubblika emphasised that the document is not a party manifesto, nor a finished plan. Instead, it is a framework proposing practical reforms that can be implemented by any government committed to ensuring the integrity of democracy. The proposals concern concrete institutional change rather than abstract declarations of principle. All proposals can be implemented within a five-year Parliament.

The document draws on years of evidence and experience, learning from the findings of the Daphne Caruana Galizia public inquiry, recommendations by European and international bodies, commitments made by political parties before previous elections that were never fulfilled, and the impact of governance failures on individuals and communities. Repubblika said the document does not reflect any ideology but is a compilation of lessons from what happens when institutions are allowed to be captured.

At its core, A Working Republic is structured around six thematic pillars addressing how power is exercised and limited, how corruption and abuse of power are investigated and punished, how citizens and journalists can ensure that those in power are held accountable, how the public interest is protected from private capture, and how human rights and equality are enforced. Together, the proposals seek a better balance between authority and accountability so we may have a republic that truly functions.

Repubblika clarified that this is a programme made up of different components which can be introduced piece by piece. Reforms may be implemented in phases over time, and each government should be able to set its own priorities with fiscal responsibility. The organisation noted that many of the proposals do not increase public expenditure. What is needed is political will, legal reform, and better use of resources, which over time will save the money currently lost to corruption and its consequences.

Repubblika is inviting members of the public to review the draft critically and propose improvements, suggest further reforms, or explain why they disagree with what is being proposed. Repubblika said it expects disagreement, and this is a necessary part of democratic thinking, not a flaw in the process.

After the consultation, the document will be revised and formally presented to the political parties, who will be asked to state which proposals they are willing to commit themselves to. Repubblika said the document will not only inform the pre-election debate but will also serve as an accountability benchmark for the next legislature.

"Every republic is not kept alive only through anniversaries and ceremonies," Repubblika stated. "It is sustained by institutions that function, laws that are upheld, and a broad commitment to protect human dignity. This consultation is an invitation to shape the future."