Malta urged to deliver real media reform

The Daphne Caruana Galizia Foundation has issued a strong warning that Malta’s long-promised media reform process must produce real, structural change rather than serve as a symbolic exercise. The Foundation stressed that genuine reform is necessary to safeguard journalists, protect public access to information, and prevent the kind of institutional failure that led to the 2017 assassination of investigative journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia.

In a formal submission to the Maltese government, the Foundation stated that the State now faces a “decisive choice” — to fully implement reforms that guarantee free expression and media independence, or to risk perpetuating the same failures that allowed the killing of a journalist to occur in the first place.

The warning follows ongoing public concern that proposed legislative changes have not yet addressed the root causes of impunity, corruption, and institutional weakness highlighted in the 2021 public inquiry into Caruana Galizia’s death.

A culture of impunity and its consequences

The public inquiry into the journalist’s murder, concluded in July 2021, found that the Maltese State had “created a culture of impunity” that enabled her assassination. Despite being repeatedly targeted by threats, defamation suits, and public vilification, Caruana Galizia received no effective protection. The inquiry found that senior state officials had failed to act, allowing a climate of hostility against her to grow unchecked.

The inquiry’s findings placed moral and legal responsibility on the State for its failure to protect her right to life and freedom of expression. It recommended a wide range of reforms, including the establishment of stronger safeguards for journalists, transparent governance, and clear accountability mechanisms within both political and law enforcement institutions.

The Foundation’s submission reiterated that “an enabling environment where freedom of expression can thrive, underpinned by strong protections for media freedom,” is essential for democracy. The statement added that if Malta were to fully implement such an environment, the killing of another journalist would become “not only impossible but unimaginable.”

The lasting impact of Daphne Caruana Galizia’s work

Daphne Caruana Galizia’s investigative reporting uncovered systemic corruption, political patronage, and connections between business and government. Her work drew both national admiration and intense hostility. When she was murdered by a car bomb outside her home in Bidnija on 16 October 2017, it sent shockwaves through Malta and across Europe.

The killing sparked large-scale protests demanding accountability, leading to the resignation of then-Prime Minister Joseph Muscat in 2019 after members of his close circle were implicated in the case. The murder also triggered international condemnation and renewed scrutiny of Malta’s institutions, particularly regarding rule of law, judicial independence, and protection of journalists.

The Foundation, established in her name, has since become a leading voice in promoting press freedom, advocating for anti-corruption reform, and ensuring justice for Daphne Caruana Galizia’s family and other journalists at risk.

International pressure for meaningful reform

Over the years, international organisations such as the Council of Europe, the European Commission, and the OSCE have consistently urged Malta to act on the inquiry’s findings. These institutions have warned that without tangible reforms, the country’s democratic credibility and compliance with European standards could be jeopardised.

Press freedom groups, including Reporters Without Borders and the International Press Institute, have also expressed concern that Malta’s draft reforms do not yet adequately address the problem of Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation (SLAPPs). These lawsuits are often used to silence journalists through intimidation and financial burden.

The Foundation’s submission echoed these concerns, urging the Maltese government to ensure that the legislative framework provides full protection against SLAPPs and other forms of harassment that restrict free expression. It emphasised that the independence of the media, judiciary, and law enforcement agencies must be structurally reinforced to prevent political interference.

A call for comprehensive reform

The Foundation underlined that “there is no middle ground for genuine reform.” It argued that Malta must “disarm and dismantle the networks of corruption and abuse of power” that have long undermined the rule of law. According to the Foundation, incremental or superficial changes would only preserve the existing culture of impunity.

It also warned against reforms that appear progressive on paper but fail in practice. The submission insists that every measure adopted must reflect international standards and be backed by mechanisms for enforcement, transparency, and accountability.

The Foundation’s appeal stresses that any legislative reform should comply with the Council of Europe’s standards on freedom of expression and media independence. These standards demand that states not only protect journalists from violence and intimidation but also ensure that public officials and political leaders foster an environment of respect and tolerance toward the press.

The government’s obligations after the inquiry

The Maltese government is legally and morally obliged to implement the recommendations of the 2021 public inquiry. The inquiry’s findings made clear that preventing another tragedy requires deep-rooted reform across multiple sectors, including law enforcement, political accountability, and judicial independence.

The Foundation argued that true compliance with the inquiry’s conclusions means enacting measures that rebuild public trust. Citizens, it said, must be able to rely on institutions that act impartially, investigate corruption without bias, and defend journalists’ rights to scrutinise power without fear.

It added that the reform process must not be delayed or diluted by political considerations. Instead, it should reflect a commitment to Malta’s democratic principles and its obligations as a member of the European Union.

The importance of a free press for democracy

Freedom of the press remains one of the most important indicators of democratic health. In countries where journalists can work safely, corruption is more likely to be exposed, institutions are more accountable, and citizens enjoy greater access to truth.

The Foundation emphasised that the Maltese government must view media reform not as a concession to international pressure but as an essential investment in democracy. Ensuring the safety of journalists strengthens the country’s reputation, encourages civic participation, and supports long-term stability.

The submission further highlighted that reform must guarantee both editorial independence and economic sustainability for media organisations. Without secure funding and legal protection, even the most courageous journalists can be silenced by fear, lawsuits, or financial ruin.

Building public confidence through transparency

A critical aspect of the reform process, according to the Foundation, is restoring trust between citizens and their institutions. Transparency, openness, and accountability are central to this effort.

The Foundation has proposed that new legislation should introduce clearer safeguards for whistleblowers, establish independent oversight of public broadcasting, and strengthen the mechanisms by which the press can access government information. It also encouraged the creation of a national strategy for journalist safety that involves both the government and civil society organisations.

Rebuilding Malta’s international reputation

Since 2017, Malta’s reputation for upholding the rule of law and press freedom has suffered repeated setbacks. International rankings, including those by Reporters Without Borders, have cited the country’s slow progress in implementing reform and the ongoing challenges journalists face.

Comprehensive media reform, according to the Foundation, presents Malta with an opportunity to reverse this decline. By committing to genuine change, the State can restore public confidence, strengthen democratic governance, and demonstrate to the international community that the lessons of the past have been learned.

“This reform process must lead to the creation of an environment that protects journalists, guarantees the public’s right to know, and rebuilds trust in Malta’s democracy,” the Foundation concluded.

Conclusion

The call by the Daphne Caruana Galizia Foundation represents far more than a demand for reform; it is a moral and democratic test for Malta. The country stands at a defining moment in its modern history — one that will determine whether it can move beyond the failures that allowed the assassination of a journalist to occur on its soil.

True reform cannot be achieved through symbolic gestures or partial measures. It requires courage, accountability, and a deep commitment to rebuilding public trust. By fully implementing the recommendations of the 2021 public inquiry, ensuring that media legislation aligns with international standards, and dismantling entrenched systems of corruption and impunity, Malta has an opportunity to reaffirm its dedication to justice and democracy.

The Foundation’s message is ultimately one of hope: that a free and independent press can once again flourish, that journalists can work without fear, and that citizens can rely on their institutions to uphold truth and transparency. In this sense, meaningful reform is not merely an act of compliance — it is an act of national renewal, honouring the legacy of Daphne Caruana Galizia and protecting the principles she stood for.

FAQs

What did the public inquiry into Daphne Caruana Galizia’s murder find?
The inquiry found that the Maltese State created a “culture of impunity” that enabled her killing and failed to protect her despite known threats.

Why is the Foundation calling for further reform?
The Foundation believes the current proposals do not go far enough to ensure journalist safety, media independence, or institutional accountability.

What are SLAPPs, and why are they a concern?
SLAPPs are abusive lawsuits designed to silence journalists and critics through legal intimidation and financial pressure.

How is Malta expected to implement reforms?
The government is expected to adopt the recommendations of the 2021 inquiry, ensuring compliance with European human rights and media freedom standards.

What role does the Daphne Caruana Galizia Foundation play?
The Foundation advocates for justice, press freedom, and democratic reform while monitoring Malta’s implementation of the inquiry recommendations.

Has Malta made progress since the inquiry?
Some legislative proposals have been drafted, but international observers and the Foundation argue that meaningful implementation remains limited.

How does the European Union view Malta’s situation?
EU institutions have expressed concern about the slow pace of reform and have urged Malta to adopt robust measures protecting journalists and free speech.

What changes are needed to protect journalists?
Stronger laws against harassment, better protection from SLAPPs, independent investigations of threats, and clearer accountability in government institutions.

Why is press freedom crucial for democracy?
A free press exposes corruption, ensures transparency, and allows citizens to make informed decisions about governance and policy.

What message does the Foundation want to convey?
That Malta must move beyond symbolic reforms and commit to deep, systemic change that ensures justice and prevents future tragedies.