Source: repubblika.org
NGO Repubblika has renewed its call for proper public and stakeholder consultation on the current reform of Malta’s whistleblower protection framework. The amendments currently being considered by Government are needed to implement the EU Directive on Whistleblowing.
In a press release, issued 22 October 2021 Repubblika stated:
“Public consultation and engagement with civil society should be a normal part of the legislative process although it has now become a rarity in Malta. Even though Repubblika specifically asked for public consultation more than 10 months ago, the government has not yet published draft amendments 6 weeks before the changes must become law or Malta would be in breach of the European directive…
… The government is avoiding consultation because it will likely again propose legislation that retains their control on the decision on who is protected to potentially give evidence against them. The last thing ministers want in our laws are measures that give practical protection to anyone who might expose them for corruption or other crimes.”
Malta, which has had whistleblowing protection legislation since 2013, and all other 26 Member States of the EU have only 50 days to fully transpose the Directive into their national legal systems. Only one country Denmark has adopted a transposition law so far.