The Democratic Party (PD) this morning reiterated calls for the immediate appointment of a Commissioner for Standards in Public Life, insisting it was high time parliamentarians’ actions are put under scrutiny.

Addressing a press conference in front of the Sette Giugno monument in St George’s Square in Valletta, new PD leader Anthony Buttigieg insisted that despite the Standards in Public Life coming into force, a Commissioner to oversee actions of public figures, including parliamentarians, had yet to be appointed.

“People are increasingly losing trust in politicians, including members of parliament, and this is because of actions by some members both in parliament and outside. For the fourth time, the PD is calling for the appointment of such a Commissioner,” Dr Buttigieg said.

Flanked by MPs Marlene Farrugia and Godfrey Farrugia, the party leader also called for information on the work being carried out by the Parliamentary Ombudsman, tasked with ensuring the proper functioning of Parliament.

Referring to the Gender-Based Violence and Domestic Violence Act, the PD said that while the party agreed with lowering the age of consent to 16, there should be a transition period, whereby the law applied to those who would have had the proper education that equipped them with the knowledge to take informed decisions.

The party also said that it was crucial that developments and the way masterplans, such as those for Paceville and Mrieħel, are carried out are closely monitored.

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