Opposition leader Alex Borg met the Institute of Maltese Journalists (IĠM) on Wednesday in a meeting that covered the Daphne Caruana Galizia Public Inquiry recommendations that concern the journalism sector, as well as other suggestions to strengthen journalists’ protection.

During this meeting, Borg stated that the changes required to safeguard journalism and protect journalists must be developed with journalists.

He added that while politicians have the power to legislate laws, they must first consult with those concerned before then demonstrating the political will to turn that consultation into legislation.

The Nationalist Party leader went over the Caruana Galizia Public Inquiry recommendations with the IĠM delegation, led by its President, Nicole Meilak, plus some of the PN’s own proposals to better protect journalists working in the field. A party statement said that the PN’s proposals include “stronger constitutional protection for independent journalism and measures against abusive lawsuits intended to intimidate or silence journalists.”

Alex Borg said it was “regrettable” to see the government’s lack of political will, “once again,” to implement the public inquiry recommendations when the PN Opposition tabled a motion for them to be discussed during an urgent parliamentary sitting earlier this month.

Borg stated that his party did not stop at the government’s refusal, as this motion was rejected, as it has prepared a bill that builds on these recommendations. This bill will be presented in the first plenary session allocated to the Opposition, Borg pledged.

The PN leader reiterated that the State must not decide who may practise journalism. On this, the PN stated that “any framework for self-regulation must be led by the profession itself and remain independent of the government.”

In this regard, the PN and the IĠM representatives discussed the possibility of establishing a Media Council, as well as the sector’s economic challenges, and forms of funding that would not threaten journalists’ independence or their freedom.

“Our aim is for journalists to be better protected and freer to do their work, including asking difficult questions of those in power. That is why we must listen to journalists and build these reforms with them,” Alex Borg said.

Accompanying the Opposition leader was his Shadow Minister for Justice, Research and Innovation, Joe Giglio, and his Shadow Minister for the Arts, Culture and National Heritage, Justin Schembri, who is also responsible for broadcasting.

The IĠM delegation was led by its President, Nicole Meilak. Also present for this meeting were IĠM Council members Daniel Ellul, Emma Brownrigg Fenech, and Juliana Zammit.