Objection arrogantly overruled

The government has decided to overrule the objection raised by civil society group Repubblika, which filed an application in court asking it to order a stop to any further appointments to the judiciary before the reforms suggested by the Venice Commission are made.

The matter has now to take its course and judicial procedure must be followed. But should it have reached this stage?

When doubts emerge on the appointment of judges and magistrates it means the system must be given due attention because the independence of the judiciary is paramount. The issue was brought to the fore by none other than the Venice Commission the Council of Europe’s advisory body of independent legal experts on Constitution matters.

In a report drawn up after a visit to Malta, the Venice Commission concluded this about judicial appointments: “In conclusion, the constitutional amendments [of] 2016, which introduced the JAC [Judicial Appointments Committee], were a step in the right direction, but fall short of ensuring judicial independence. Further steps are required.

“The principle of independence of the judiciary requires that the selection of judges and magistrates be made upon merit and any undue...