The Nationalist Party said the nomination of George Vella as President of Malta means that the Prime Minister lost an opportunity to give credibility to Malta's institutions.
In a statement, the PN said PM Joseph Muscat succumbed to internal pressure to appoint a president from the Labour ranks. Appointing someone from the opposing political spectrum or someone who has the approval of two-thirds of the House would have been a first step to show that the government really wants changes that strengthen the country's institutions.
The PM showed lack of willingness to achieve national unity and a better balance of power, together with an improved safeguarding of the constitution and institutions as recommended by the Venice Commission, the PN said.
The PN, the statement said, has already proposed that the Venice Commission's recommendations are put in place immediately so as to enable them to serve the people better, rather than be tools in the government's hands.
The PN had proposed that a President appointed with a two-thirds parliamentary majority could be given the last word when the House of Representatives fails to agree on appointments which need a two-thirds majority in the House, such as the Broadcasting Authority and the Electoral Commission.
This would reduce the excessive power exercised by the Prime Minister, as indicated by the Venice Commission.
The PN said it will call a parliamentary group meeting to discuss the nomination.
from The Malta Independent https://ift.tt/2TunuB5
via IFTTT
No comments:
Post a Comment