Partit Demokratiku leader Marlene Farrugia today confirmed that coalition talks with the Nationalist Party were still under way, but an alliance would not be formed at all costs.

Addressing a press conference, Dr Farrugia said the PD was willing to help the PN renew itself into becoming an electable alternative government.

Doubts had been raised about the formation of such a coalition after recent claims that a hotel chain - the db Group - had specifically funded the salaries of two PN officials.

She said the PD was willing to form a coalition with the “good elements” of both the PN and PL.

The Times of Malta first reported that coalition talks were under way between the PD and PN last October. 

Willing to help the PN renew itself into becoming an electable alternative government

Dr Farrugia questioned why the Labour Party had so far failed to register itself as a political party with the Electoral Commission.

Failure to do so meant the PL did not have to present a list of its donations to the commission.

The PL has said it would amend its statute next month to allow it to register.

Dr Farrugia pointed out that the PL could have easily called an extraordinary general meeting to carry out these amendments.

She said the PD in government would seek to introduce state financing of political parties.

Dr Farrugia said that while the PL had introduced a party financing law that the PN failed to introduce in 25 years of government, the present law contained loopholes which allowed money to be channelled in through the companies owned by political parties.

Shealso questioned why the government was dragging its feet in moving the Standards in Public Life Bill.

Dr Farrugia said the first reading of the bill took place in 2014. The second reading took place two years later, and the bill was still gathering dust after last month being passed through committee stage for a third reading.

The bill will see the appointment of a commissioner for standards who will hold MPs to account.