PN again demands implementation of Daphne inquiry recommendations five years on

**Nationalist Party renews calls for implementation of Daphne Caruana Galizia inquiry recommendations**

The Nationalist Party (PN) has renewed its demand for the full implementation of the recommendations stemming from the public inquiry into the 2017 assassination of journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia. During a press conference on Saturday, PN MPs Michael Piccinino and Mark Anthony Sammut accused the government of failing to enact necessary reforms despite prior pledges to do so.

The public inquiry, which concluded in July 2021, identified a “culture of impunity” and systemic institutional failures that contributed to the environment surrounding the journalist’s death.

MP Michael Piccinino noted that while Prime Minister Robert Abela had committed to implementing the inquiry’s findings, the government has yet to take substantive action. Piccinino recalled that when the PN tabled a series of bills in 2022 to codify the inquiry’s recommendations into law, Labour Party MPs voted against the proposals, characterizing them as political gimmicks.

“Five years have passed,” Piccinino stated, emphasizing that the State holds a responsibility to ensure the circumstances leading to the 2017 assassination are not repeated.

On Friday, Opposition Leader Alex Borg attempted to introduce a parliamentary motion requiring the government to implement the recommendations by the end of October. The government declined to debate the motion.

MP Mark Anthony Sammut criticized Prime Minister Abela’s approach, alleging a disconnect between the Prime Minister’s rhetoric regarding the assassination and his administration’s legislative record. Sammut argued that the government has consistently opposed measures intended to strengthen the independence of State institutions.

Sammut further condemned recent remarks by Labour Party figures, specifically citing Jason Micallef, chairman of the Valletta Cultural Agency, who recently labeled banners calling for justice for Caruana Galizia as “vandalism.” Sammut described these comments as unacceptable for a public official and criticized the Prime Minister for failing to distance his administration from such rhetoric. Additionally, Sammut raised concerns regarding the continued influence of individuals close to the government, citing social media activity by Neville Gafà directed at the Caruana Galizia family.

The PN reiterated several policy proposals linked to the inquiry’s findings, including the introduction of State financing for political parties, legislation addressing unexplained wealth, and new laws aimed at preventing the abuse of power.

During the conference, Sammut also called for the resignation of Attorney General Victoria Buttigieg, citing alleged errors within her office. He further criticized her absence from the country during the delivery of the verdict in the Yorgen Fenech jury trial, characterizing the timing as irresponsible.

The Nationalist Party stated that it remains committed to ensuring the inquiry’s recommendations are fully adopted to improve institutional accountability and prevent political interference.

Article and image source: independent.com.mt