Malta is one of 12 countries which have not yet fully complied with any of the recommendations in respect of MPs, according to the Group of States against Corruption of the Council of Europe (GRECO) annual report for 2017.

The report analyses compliance with its recommendations for the prevention of corruption in respect of MPs, judges and prosecutors.

When it comes to judges and prosecutors, however, Malta is among the countries with a high level of compliance.

Sweden and Finland are the only two countries that have fully complied with GRECO´s recommendations. Estonia has complied with 91.7%, followed by Germany (75%), Slovenia (70.6%) and Bulgaria, Malta, Netherlands, Norway and United Kingdom, which have fully implemented 66.7% of the recommendations.

The report said that although there was overall progress in introducing new measures to fight corruption in respect of MPs, judges and prosecutors, their practical implementation remained slower than desirable.

Corrupt practices both at national and international level, as we have witnessed within the Council of Europe’s Parliamentary Assembly, constitute a major threat to our institutions and to democracy itself

“Corrupt practices both at national and international level, as we have witnessed within the Council of Europe’s Parliamentary Assembly, constitute a major threat to our institutions and to democracy itself. It is crucial that national authorities and international bodies take a clear stance against corruption and swiftly implement anti-corruption measures,” secretary general Thorbjørn Jagland said.

“In 2017 there were numerous corruption allegations in many countries and institutions. Progress against corruption cannot be taken for granted. It requires staying alert; because there is always a risk of regression. Political leaders should show a strong leadership against corruption. MPs, judges and prosecutors should lead by example, and citizens should strongly demand from their representatives that they act not only respecting the law, but also according to the highest ethical standards,” GRECO’s president, Marin Mrčela, said.

The report also features an article paying tribute to Daphne Caruana Galizia, by her sons Mathew, Andrew and Paul: “Journalists are defenceless while corruption is armed”.