On Anti-Corruption Day, remember that real reform is urgent, not optional

Corruption harms institutions, undermines democracy, distorts markets, endangers lives, and enables organised crime to flourish. Daphne Caruana Galizia was assassinated in a climate of impunity fuelled by corruption, a stark reminder that failing to confront corruption has deadly consequences.

Corruption kills. We know this already. We also know that Malta is bound to implement meaningful, lasting change. Malta signed the United Nations Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC) on May 12, 2005, and ratified it on April 11, 2008, officially joining the global fight against corruption as a State Party. But the legal commitment to fight corruption must be turned into effective action.

By embracing transparency, accountability, and the international standards set by UNCAC, Malta can build the trustworthy and resilient system its citizens deserve. Meaningful progress must not be postponed.