A proposed law on Standards in Public Life had become necessary because the government has “ridiculed” such standards through its conduct, according to Opposition leader Simon Busuttil.

“If the government had behaved appropriately, there would be no need for this law,” Dr Busuttil said during an interview on Radio 101 this morning. “This law is so necessary today because Joseph Muscat has broken all his promises.”

Dr Busuttil pointed to talks over the sale of Air Malta as evidence that the Prime Minister’s word no longer meant anything, as well as accusing Dr Muscat of a lack of transparency and accountability in failing to publish several crucial government contracts.

The Opposition leader said his party had made several proposals in a paper published last December which should be incorporated into the new law.

He highlighted a proposal to make high-level government appointments, including the President of the Republic and the police commissioner, dependent on a two-thirds majority approval in Parliament, which he said would foster greater consensus and compromise.

Other proposals included requirements for ministers to publicise their overseas trips in advance, and a prohibition on MPs sitting on public boards, as well as changes to the Freedom of Information Act to make it easier for journalists and the public to obtain information from the government.

Dr Busuttil also hit out at Glenn Bedingfield, an aide to the PM, for running a personal blog critical of political opponents, which he said was an “obscene” state of affairs given Mr Bedingfield’s position.

“If you are a full-time employee in the OPM, you cannot use your working hours to attack your opponents on a personal blog,” Dr Busuttil said.

The Opposition leader said the government’s issues with corruption meant that it was failing to address people’s concerns, pointing to rising levels of inequality and social injustice.

“There’s no point boasting about the strength of the economy if the number of families in poverty are increasing,” he said.

Dr Busuttil also promised that the PN “meant business” on women’s rights, noting that Malta had fallen down the rankings in international metrics under the current government.

He said public boards should have a 50-50 composition and that equality in pay between men and women in the private sector should be guaranteed, as well as ensuring that women suffering from domestic violence received the support they need.

Asked about the recent tragic events in Nice and the attempted coup in Turkey, Dr Busuttil expressed his solidarity with the French people and described the situation in Turkey as deeply worrying.

“The situation now is a worrying one because President Erdogan’s authority has become stronger, when the manner in which he runs the country has consistently raises serious questions about the health of democracy in Turkey,” Dr Busuttil said, highlighting the extensive trade and travel links between Malta and Turkey.

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