Ombudsman Joseph Said Pullicino reached the end of his tenure this week but is looking forward to Constitutional reform which will give his successor broader powers.

“This office is not an NGO or a pressure group, it is a Constitutional body which stands for the people, ensuring their right to good governance. Future reforms should ensure further autonomy and grant this office an even stronger voice,” he said.

Chief Justice Emeritus Said Pullicino was addressing a press conference to mark the end of his second and final five-year-term at the helm of the Ombudsman’s office. In line with the Ombudsman Act, he will remain in his office, with full powers, until a successor is appointed.

Chief Justice Emeritus Said Pullicino said that ongoing inquiries, such as that into government positions of trust, which was in an advanced stage, would be handed over to his successor. He was wary of launching any own-initiative inquiries as it was not clear how long he would remain in office. Complaints brought to the office from civilians, however, would be investigated in the normal way.

Asked about his greatest achievements in the office, the Ombudsman said the reforms of the office had been so successful that many countries where looking at the Maltese system as a benchmark.

On the other hand, he was disappointed with certain government departments’ reluctance to come to terms with the Ombudsman’s role.

“These, however, were just hiccups which I never lost any sleep over,” he said.