VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – Malta’s standing in the World Justice Project’s 2025 Rule of Law Index has fallen for the fourth consecutive year, dropping one place to 31st globally — a symbolic slide that contrasts sharply with the government’s claims of democratic progress.
The report paints a picture of a country where fundamental rights are largely upheld, yet institutional checks on power remain weak and corruption within the legislature persists. Malta now ranks 23rd out of 31 countries in the EU, EFTA, and North America region — firmly in the lower third of Western democracies.
“The data indicates that Malta’s primary challenges lie in constraining government powers, combating corruption, and ensuring effective civil justice,” the WJP said, warning of a growing “democratic deficit.”
Constraints on government powers saw one of the sharpest declines, with the index giving just 0.50 out of 1 for “sanctions for official misconduct.” The legislative branch scored a mere 0.36 on corruption, the lowest of any sector.
Justice delays also continue to erode public confidence. Malta ranks 48th globally for civil justice, with case resolution times nearly four times the European median.
The findings echo a recent report by The Daphne Caruana Galizia Foundation, which revealed that nearly half of homicide cases from the past decade remain unresolved.
Prime Minister Robert Abela’s government has dismissed criticism as politically motivated, touting constitutional reforms and judicial changes. Yet international observers say these measures have yet to produce real accountability.
Malta’s decline mirrors a broader global trend — the WJP warns that 2025 marks the eighth consecutive year of weakening rule of law worldwide, driven by eroding checks on power and judicial independence.
– Photo IPA Agency –
(ITALPRESS).
