The parliamentary Ombudsman’s annual report raised questions about government accountability, Alternattiva Demokratika said on Tuesday afternoon.

Addressing a press conference following a meeting with the Ombudsman, AD chairman Carmel Cacopardo said that the report, published recently, made for a very worrying read because it demonstrates clearly that the political class’s understanding of the fundamentals of accountability are “incredibly weak”.

The AD head that government should not only be answering questions when these are asked by journalists, but should also be open to supplying information when asked for it.

READ: Secrecy is hindering investigations, Ombudsman lambasts

“The country was shocked that the Ombudsman needed to go to court and wait for the court’s decision on appeal merely to open an investigation on alleged irregularities in the management of appointments and promotions in the Armed Forces.

“This is one of the country’s biggest obstacles which are being created by the political class to thwart accountability mechanisms. The fact that these obstacles are created by members of the cabinet of minister does not bode well for democratic accountability in this country,” Mr Cacopardo went on.

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