Momentum has called for greater institutional independence and democratic accountability, arguing that Malta's independence must also mean institutions that are free from political influence and vested interests.

In a statement marking the 62nd anniversary of Independence, Momentum said the country needed to consider whether enough had been done to build institutions that were genuinely independent, accountable and capable of protecting the public interest.

The party argued that national independence could not be considered complete if institutions responsible for upholding the law remained vulnerable to political influence and vested interests.

Momentum called for a police force with the independence, resources and capacity to investigate allegations of corruption regardless of where they lead, including allegations involving people in positions of political power.

It also called for institutions responsible for preventing and investigating corruption to have the authority and resources necessary to carry out their duties effectively.

The party said the independence of the judiciary should be fully protected, including through what it described as a transparent and robust process for appointing the Chief Justice.

Momentum also called for a truly independent Public Broadcasting Service and Electoral Commission, as well as an overhaul of the electoral system to ensure all voters are represented and to address what it described as a culture of clientelism.

On planning, the party said the system should apply its rules fairly, protect communities and the environment, and ensure that developers' interests do not take precedence over the public interest.

It also criticised what it described as the complicity of a government-appointed CEO in this regard.

Momentum further argued that the government should not ignore or dismiss findings made by institutions such as the Ombudsman and the National Audit Office.

Executive member of Momentum Carmel Asciak said Malta's democratic development should continue beyond national independence.

"Malta's democratic development cannot stop at national independence. We must continue building a country where public appointments are based on merit and integrity, where conflicts of interest are taken seriously, where public funds are managed transparently, and where citizens can trust that institutions work for them rather than for those with influence," Asciak said.

He said Malta also needed a system where the law applied equally to everyone, justice was not selective and public institutions served the common good.

Momentum also called for political parties to be independent of developers, major donors and other vested interests.

Asciak said party financing should be transparent, properly regulated and subject to effective oversight, arguing that political decisions should be made in the public interest rather than in response to private funding or influence.

Momentum said the next chapter of Malta's independence should be based on a commitment to institutional independence and democratic accountability.