The time had come for the country to launch the constitutional convention which had been promised for years, Alternattiva Demokratika chairman Carmel Cacopardo said.

Addressing a news conference this morning, he said AD would be contacting the Prime Minister and the Opposition leader requesting this process to be embarked upon as soon as possible. It would continue to push for this in the coming days and weeks and would not rest before this process of national importance was embarked upon.

Mr Cacopardo referred to journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia’s murder last week and noted that a negative climate had since developed in the country.

He said that while he understood and appreciated the fact that the country had gone through shock and anger, the mud throwing and accusations by political tribes could not continue.

This climate was doing irreparible damage to Malta’s international reputation and was undermining its already weak institutions.

In this context, the country was faced with two important priorities: to find who carried out such an atrocious act and bring him to justice as soon as possible, and to immediately launch a serious attempt for the drawing up of a constitutional overhaul which would lead to institutions that would guarantee democracy and the rule of law.

“One has to start looking ahead rather than continuing to point fingers without getting anywhere,” he said.

Mr Cacopardo said goodness should be reaped and hope sowed from the ugliness and darkness that had fallen on the country with the murder.

The common good should precede all partisan rivalry which had destroyed the country’s moral fibre and ethics.

Politics should give a clear message, rise above verbal spats and offer long-term solutions. This would be the best way to remember Ms Caruana Galizia, who paid a high price for the right to freedom of expression.

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