The European Parliament is seriously concerned about the credibility of the investigation in Malta into the murder of journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia and related money laundering and corruption cases. MEPs also believe that Prime Minister Muscat must resign as soon as possible.
In a resolution adopted during the monthly plenary session in Strasbourg with 581 votes in favor, 26 against, and 83 abstentions, the EP warns that every risk of compromising the investigation must be avoided and that this risk remains as long as the prime minister remains in office.
The European Parliament finds it particularly worrying that in several other investigations into related money laundering and corruption cases in Malta, no progress has been made or some investigations have not even started.
“The developments in Malta over recent years have led to serious and ongoing threats to the rule of law, democracy, and fundamental rights,” says the European Parliament, which is highly concerned about press freedom, the independence of the Maltese police and judiciary, the right to peaceful assembly, and the separation of powers.
Members of the European Parliament agree with Commission Vice-President Vera Jourová that infringement proceedings could be initiated against Malta due to inadequate judicial reforms.
The Parliament also calls for the abolition of Malta’s investor and residence schemes (the “golden passports” and visas), as these are effectively the sale of EU citizenship, which hinders the fight against money laundering and cross-border crime and threatens the integrity of the Schengen area.