Malta Faces Backlash Over Plan to Scrap Ministers’ Asset Declarations

The Maltese government is facing mounting criticism over proposed legal amendments that would abolish ministers’ asset declarations, a move opponents warn could enable corruption and conceal conflicts of interest.

Under current rules, ministers must submit statements of their assets to the Cabinet Secretary. However, proposals tabled by the Justice Minister would remove this obligation entirely. Critics argue this risks allowing illicit financial activity to go unchecked.

The debate has revived memories of past scandals, including Konrad Mizzi’s offshore structures, defended at the time by then Prime Minister Joseph Muscat. Concerns have also been raised about limited transparency in the existing system, with some disclosures only emerging through investigative journalism.

The Commissioner for Standards has previously warned against weakening oversight. Critics say the reforms signal a step backwards for accountability in Malta.