Parliament unanimously approves new Ombudsman, Auditor General

Parliament unanimously approved the appointments of Anthony Mifsud as Ombudsman and of Charles Deguara as Mifsud's successor as Auditor General.

Mifsud will succeed former judge Joseph Said Pullicino, who has served as Ombudsman role since 2005. Charles Deguara had previously served as deputy auditor general, and he will be succeeded by accountant general Noel Camilleri.

The vote was preceded by speeches from environment minister Leo Brincat – in the absence of the Prime Minister - and PN deputy leader Mario de Marco. Both politicians hailed the democratic roles of Ombudsman and Auditor General, with De Marco pointing out that the current government is the first in Malta’s history to be taken to court by an Ombudsman.

The issue concerns Said Pullicino’s complaint that his office is being hindered from investigating complaints filed by army officers about promotions, salaries and pension rights