The S&D Group in the European Parliament continues to support the constructive and open approach taken by the Maltese government on reforms aimed at strengthening the rule of law. Under Prime Minister Robert Abela, Malta has undergone a series of positive reforms that has improved judicial independence and has produced results in bringing the perpetrators of the murder of Daphne Caruana Galizia to justice. The S&D Group will vote in favour of a resolution on Thursday that recognises that important improvements are being made regarding the rule of law in Malta and that also suggests further reforms.

Thijs Reuten, S&D Group spokesperson for the debate on the rule of law in Malta, said:

“The tragic death of Daphne Caruana Galizia 5 years ago led to a number of reforms in Malta relating to the rule of law. The current Maltese government took on urgent reforms that have produced meaningful change in the justice system. Reforms, like taking away the government’s role in appointing the police commissioner and in appointing various judicial posts have strengthened judicial independence. Tough reforms do not produce change overnight but recent developments are promising. Last week, two further individuals were found guilty in the case of Daphne Caruana Galicia’s murder. But for justice to be served, all perpetrators and their accomplices must be held accountable as soon as possible.

“For the Socialists and Democrats, this Maltese government has taken the right approach: it is open to reform, it is a constructive partner that listens to institutions like the European Parliament and it is delivering the change people need to see. This attitude stands in stark contrast with the EPP and conservative governments in Poland, Hungary, and Greece, as well as Slovenia’s previous government, that prefer to ignore calls for constructive dialogue with the European institutions and repeatedly refuse invitations to work with us.”