On judicial independence in Malta 

The petitioner argues that the unfettered discretion of the Minister of Justice in relation to the appointment and promotion of magistrates and judges in Malta undermines judicial independence and impartiality. Moreover, he contends that the Maltese government has engaged in a consistent practice of appointing politically loyal candidates to the judiciary, thus undermining the rule of law. The petitioner claims that, given the small number of magistrates and judges in Malta, independence of the judiciary can be easily undermined through a few strategic appointments and he calls on the European Commission to start infringement proceedings against Malta on this issue.