Nationalist Party proposes anti-mafia reforms in Malta

The Nationalist Party (PN) in Malta has announced plans to propose an omnibus bill containing a series of reforms aimed at implementing the outstanding recommendations from the public inquiry into the murder of journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia.

Opposition Leader Alex Borg stated that the proposed legislation includes the criminalization of participation in mafia-style organizations, obstruction of justice, and the abuse of public office. Other key measures in the package involve the introduction of unexplained wealth orders, stronger protections against strategic lawsuits against public participation (SLAPP), and constitutional protections for journalism.

The move follows the government's refusal to debate a PN motion to implement the inquiry's recommendations by the end of October. The PN intends to address issues such as criminal liability for public officials who deliberately omit their duties and the unauthorized use of electronic systems. The party aims to restore citizen trust in state institutions following recent legal developments in the murder investigation.