Who’s financing Malta’s politics? Daphne Foundation proposes transparency reform

In the heart of Valletta, just a stone’s throw from the Grandmaster’s Palace, a group of activists gather. They’re not protesting, but collecting signatures. Their target? Transparency in political financing. Welcome to Malta, where the spirit of democracy is as vibrant as the island’s Azure Window once was.

The Daphne Foundation, named after the late journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia, is at the forefront of this campaign. Their goal? To shed light on the dark corners of political financing in Malta. Daphne, known for her relentless pursuit of truth, once wrote, “There are crooks everywhere you look now. The situation is desperate.” Her words echo today, fueling the foundation’s mission.

Malta’s political financing scene is a labyrinth. Parties are required to declare their donors, but the threshold is high – €2,000. Anything less can be kept secret. there’s no limit to how much can be donated, leaving room for potential influence peddling. The foundation wants to lower the threshold to €100 and cap donations at €10,000.

The foundation isn’t alone. Civil society groups like Repubblika and Din l-Art Ħelwa have joined the call. They want to see real-time declarations, strict limits, and penalties for non-compliance. “It’s about ensuring that our democracy isn’t for sale,” says a spokesperson for Repubblika.

The road to reform is long and winding. The foundation and its allies face an uphill battle. But they’re undeterred. They’ve collected thousands of signatures, held public meetings, and even taken their campaign to Brussels. They’re not just fighting for transparency; they’re fighting for Malta’s soul.

As for the political parties? They’re divided. Some welcome reform, others are cautious. But with elections looming, the pressure is on. The question is, will they listen to the people’s call for clarity?

So, what can you do? Sign the petition. Attend public meetings. Talk to your local MP. Make your voice heard. Because in Malta, democracy isn’t a given. It’s a fight. And it’s one we must all wage together.

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