PN says Malta is witnessing an unprecedented ‘institutional crisis’

Shadow home affairs minister Jason Azzopardi said that Malta is experiencing an unprecedented institutional crisis, due to decisions made by Home Affairs Minister Manuel Mallia.

“Mallia must realize that his decisions and his negative attitude are resulting in an outrage amongst the police force and in an institutional crisis, the likes of which Malta has ever seen.” Azzopardi said.

Azzopardi said that Mallia has recently been given two ultimatums- by members of the police force and by Parliamentary Ombudsman Joseph Said Pullicino who is investigating complaints about promotions within the Armed Forces.

 “Political interference in the police corp and the armed forces are unjustifiable and must be stopped as soon as possible,” Azzopardi said. “Mallia’s attitude is dangerous in a democratic, European country.”

“[Prime Minister] Joseph Muscat has a lot to answer for since everything that Mallia does is done with Muscat’s blessing.”

The Ombudsman’s Office had earlier said that the Ombudsman had informed the concerned parties how he intended to proceed with his investigation if the matter was not satisfactorily resolved within a definite timeframe.

“This information was never intended, nor should be construed to be, a threat or an ultimatum,” the Ombudsman’s Office said. “The Ombudsman augurs that the issue of jurisdiction can still be resolved without the need for further action.”