Deputy Chairperson of’ Alternattiva Demokratika, Carmel Cacopardo, said: “The Government’s and Prime Minister Joseph Muscat’s playing about with words on a number of legal and constitutional issues sheds a bad light on the democratic credentials of the Labour Party. A number of laws have been changed in order to make it possible for Members of Parliament to serve on various boards, including those of some authorities. This action has undermined the democratic process because through it a Member of Parliament becomes part of the operation of Government instead of doing his duty of overseeing it.”

“Members of Parliament who are appointed on these Boards are not in a position to perform their Parliamentary duties adequately. It would have been more sensible had Parliament set up the necessary structures to oversee the Government’s work.”

Carmel Cacopardo concluded:: “The Prime Minister has also played about with words with regards to the call for an abrogative referendum, for which the required amount of signatures has already been presented. At times he says that the referendum will take place if there are enough signatures and at others he gives the impression that he is willing to consider a request for the provisions of the applicability of an abrogative referendum legislation to be toned down. This play on words on the part of the Prime Minister is seriously denting the democratic process.”

Prof. Arnold Cassola, Chairperson of Alternattiva Demokratika, added: “The Prime Minister unilaterally decided to give ministerial responsibilities in the social sector to the President, when this is not permitted by the constitution. This, together with the fact that the Prime Minister’s wife is being given institutional roles in Maltese government delegations abroad shows that the Maltese Prime Minister is overstepping his powers. It would not be a bad idea if the Prime Minister’s advisors were to draw his attention on such abuses, rather than acting as yes men.”

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