Perhaps two of the most worrying trends that emerge from the latest Eurobarometer survey are the low level of trust expressed in the legal and justice system and the concerns with crime.

The government, flushed by the surge in economic growth, may be tempted to publicly downplay the implications of the survey findings but in doing this it runs the risk that both trust in the legal and justice system and the rate of crime will worsen unless it takes concrete action to rectify the situation.

Since the survey was carried out in November, the findings must have surely been influenced by the brutal murder of Daphne Caruana Galizia. Even so, few would dare suggest there was nothing wrong with the legal and justice system before November.

With the government making an absolute mockery of the judiciary through the appointment to the Bench of people who had been active in partisan politics, the dignity of the courts have been dealt a severe blow. Even though politically-appointed members may become excellent judges over time, it is hard to expect that certain perceptions will not persist. Justice must not only be done but also be seen to be done.

Having nominations for membership to the Bench approved by a judicial appointments committee could make a difference, if only the executive abides by the recommendations.

According to the survey, only 35 per cent of the people trusted the justice and legal system compared to 50 per cent in EU countries. If the country wants to have a more highly-trusted justice and legal system, the first requirement is for governments to keep their hands off the courts. Having the courts, regulatory bodies and other institutions populated by staunch supporters of the party in government, as the situation – with minor exceptions – stands today can only the democratic process and raise questions on the rule of law.

Here too, measures have now been taken to bring about a change in the appointment of people to a number of regulatory bodies. Under a new law, people nominated for appointment would have to undergo parliamentary scrutiny. Again, this is a move that could finally end the rampant system of cronyism and nepotism that has blighted all governments, Nationalist and Labour. Time will tell whether it will work or not.

Forty-five per cent picked up crime as one area of concern. As already noted, the finding may have been influenced by Ms Caruana Galizia’s car bomb murder but there is no denying that more and more people are increasingly worried today about rising crime, particularly in some localities.

Overall, Malta is still a safe place but certain areas appear to be getting more prone to various forms of crime, with the elderly in particular feeling unsafe. Greater police presence in heavily-frequented areas is a deterrent but improved operational efficiency, inspired by confidence in the force’s leaders, will go a long way towards checking worsening trends and putting people’s mind at rest.

Lack of trust in the media is also worrying in an environment where the government has such a strong influence.

While little or no improvement can be expected in such a fiercely partisan political climate, the survey indicates that there, finally, seems to be a growing awareness of the need to better protect the environment.

This is a Times of Malta print editorial