Checking Malta’s powerful Prime Minster through constitutional reforms

Abstract

Despite broad political consensus that Malta needs comprehensive constitutional reforms, the process so far has been slow. This may be partly because of the unwillingness of the ruling majority to concede discretionary powers in a country with an effective two-party system. As a neutral political figurehead, the newly appointed President may be best placed to rely on the report of the Venice Commission to lead the reform process to a conclusion – writes Dr Briguglio.