The Parliamentary Ombudsman interviewed on RTK103 and Newsbook.com.mt

The Parliamentary Ombudsman interviewed on RTK103 and Newsbook.com.mt

Published June 23, 2025

The Parliamentary Ombudsman, Judge Joseph Zammit McKeon, was interviewed by Professor Andrew Azzopardi on RTK103 and Newsbook.com.mt, where he spoke about the role and functions of the Office of the Ombudsman, as well as current challenges and developments in Malta’s public administration.

During the wide-ranging interview, the Ombudsman underlined the Office’s commitment to improving public administration through the investigation of individual complaints and the carrying out of own-initiative investigations when the public interest so requires. He noted that these efforts aim not only to redress individual grievances but also to bring about systemic improvements in governance.

Judge Zammit McKeon explained that while public authorities generally cooperate with the Office, challenges still arise in the implementation of the Ombudsman’s recommendations. He noted that around 80% of recommendations are implemented, while the remainder, when not acted upon, are formally referred to the Prime Minister. If no progress is registered, the reports are then sent to Parliament, as provided for in the Ombudsman Act. However, these reports are only tabled and not discussed—a situation the Ombudsman believes should change. He reiterated his call for the establishment of a Standing Committee of the House of Representatives to consider and discuss the Ombudsman’s reports in a meaningful way.

The Ombudsman also addressed his ongoing proposal for Malta to establish a National Human Rights Institution (NHRI) in line with the Paris Principles. He reiterated his position that the Office of the Ombudsman is ideally placed to serve this function and confirmed that he had submitted a detailed draft bill to the Government to extend the Office’s mandate to include the promotion and protection of human rights. He commented that no feedback had been received to date and affirmed that the Office of the Ombudsman will continue to advocate for the establishment of an NHRI in Malta.

Concluding the interview, Judge Zammit McKeon said that efforts to bring the Office closer to the people have resulted in a marked increase in public trust. He noted a 137% increase in the number of persons assisted by the Office and a 7% increase in formal complaints received, a clear sign of the Office’s growing relevance and accessibility.

Photo credit:  Viktoria Nikolla - RTK103/Newsbook Malta