PN to table bill in Parliament proposing that police chief be appointed by two-thirds majority

The Nationalist Party will this week table a private members' bill in Parliament proposing to change the way the Police Commissioner is appointed, which would introduce a two-thirds majority approval requirement for the person to be appointed to the

By: independent.com.mt

Jun 30 2024
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PN to table bill in Parliament

Grech spoke in an interview on Sunday on party media, where he said that current Police Commissioner Angelo Gafa, whose contract is set to be extended, has failed in fulfilling his duty towards the constitution, after confirming in court that the police did not conduct any parallel investigations into the vitals deal alongside the magisterial inquiry, claiming that the magistrate did not provide him what he needed.

"The magistrate, as well, does not have any faith in Gafa. He should have resigned immediately," Grech said. "The Commissioner never independently investigated the biggest fraud in the country's political history, despite even the Court annulling the deal," Grech said.

He added that Prime Minister Robert Abela has ignored the people's reality, and is too weak to take action and remove Gafa himself.

"Abela did not truly recognize the public's message after the elections, as he could have sent that message and removed the status quo of protecting criminals, but he did not remove the Police Commissioner, as he is part of the devil's pact," Grech said.

He said that to have a true and honest Police Commissioner, a bill is needed which reflects that, and the way the Commissioner is appointed must change into that which requires a two-thirds majority.

Grech said that this method has worked in appointing the President of Malta, who was appointed via a two-thirds majority and has risen to the occasion to give clear direction for the country.

He said that the PL in government has abused the way such officials are appointed, and a two-thirds majority is needed for a Commissioner who truly puts justice, and the Maltese and Gozitan people's interests first.

Grech also spoke about the annulment of a €600 million tender for an incinerator to be constructed in Maghtab, where he said that "it is clear that the PL government's criminal plot remains the same, only the actors change."

He said that the Opposition will ensure impartiality and no conflict of interest in this regard, adding also that the Police Commissioner is nowhere to be seen in this case.

"It is unacceptable that Ministers Clyde Caruana, who continues approving these deals, and Miriam Dalli, who is responsible for this, continue to operate as if nothing happened. Her position is untenable, and we will continue to pressure and show government's shortcomings, while showing the road forward," he said.

Grech also spoke about public funds, and the news that the European Commission will be putting Malta and other countries into an excessive deficit procedure due to the country's debt. He said that government is increasing debt, then has no money to help those who truly need it.

Grech blamed Abela and Caruana, who he said together have garnered €5 billion in debt, with nothing to show for, not a new airport nor a new hospital. He said that this amount is equivalent to what was garnered in 55 years by all the Prime Ministers, PN and PL, combined.

"Robert Abela wants to continue staining the country's name, and continue financing and subsidizing corruption," Grech said, adding that this problem was created by a Labour government under Abela.

"Abela must eliminate subsidies for corruption, such as the salaries for persons of trust. He is wasting the people's money to then gives it to those close to him," Grech said, adding that Abela has many internal problems, and is now the Prime Minister who leaves everyone by themselves.

He said that if Abela starts doing things seriously, he would not have to eventually reduce or remove energy subsidies.

Grech said that moving forward, the PN's teams have started scouting new candidates to be ready for the next general election, and this summer's work will focus on speaking with the people, as well as focus on candidatures.

He said the PN has started working on the Independence Day celebrations, where Malta will be celebrating its 60-year anniversary of its independence. Grech said that the PN will announce their first set of candidates for the next general election on this day.