Parliamentary Ombudsman interviewed on Mill-Kamra

Parliamentary Ombudsman interviewed on Mill-Kamra

Published March 06, 2026

The Parliamentary Ombudsman, Judge Joseph Zammit McKeon, was interviewed by Karl Azzopardi on the programme Mill Kamra, where he discussed the role and work of the Office of the Ombudsman.

During the interview, the Ombudsman explained the core function of the institution, namely the investigation of complaints concerning acts or omissions of the public administration. He underlined that investigations are conducted in a thorough and impartial manner with the aim of improving administrative practice and strengthening good governance.

Reference was also made to own initiative investigations, which allow the Ombudsman to examine issues of public interest that affect the daily lives of people, even in the absence of a formal complaint.

The Ombudsman noted that 89 per cent of the recommendations issued by the Office are implemented. When a public authority decides not to implement a recommendation, it is expected to provide valid reasons. He explained the procedure followed in such cases, including the possibility of reports being tabled in Parliament where recommendations remain unimplemented.

It was observed that the number of persons seeking the assistance of the Ombudsman continues to increase each year, with 34 per cent of complainants being foreign nationals.

The Ombudsman reiterated his proposal for the establishment of a Parliamentary Committee dedicated to discussing reports submitted by the Office, particularly in cases where recommendations are not implemented.

The discussion also addressed access to justice and the complementary roles of the Ombudsman and the Courts. The Ombudsman emphasised that the aim should always be to widen access to justice and ensure effective remedies.

Among the specific matters discussed was the investigation concerning property buyers who had paid the due taxes and duties to a notary but were later required by the State to pay them again in order to register their property rights. The Ombudsman reiterated that the recommendations made in that case remain practical and relevant, aimed at delivering justice to victims and preventing recurrence.

The interview also covered the position paper titled Ensuring Safe and Unobstructed Mobility on Public Pavements and in Public Places. The Ombudsman stressed that public space belongs to everyone and that accessibility must be safeguarded through clear legal standards and effective enforcement, not left to discretion.