Thread by @bugdavem

.@MaltaGov's reaction to the draft Venice Commission report is a piece of work in itself: gov.mt/en/Government/…

The "It's not our fault" -

"@MaltaGov notes that the draft opinion comments focus on laws & systems that were passed or implemented years back, & not about laws introduced by this government."

Yes, the constitution dates back to 1964...

The "We did our best" -

"Where the draft opinion refers to laws enacted by this government, these are described as a step in the right direction."

They're also described as useless / not going nearly far enough (ie. just there for appearance sake)

The "We need to act like this was all our idea" -

"The mentioned draft opinion is being compiled after requests by the Maltese Government"

Ignoring that it was @PieterOmtzigt & PACE that asked for it.

The "We should act like we want to improve" -

The minister also affirmed the government’s will to continue to adopt systems and measures to further strengthen the rule of law in Malta."

Ignoring that rule of law issues do not occur in a vacuum but result from abuse of power.

The "We are nice guys and they liked us" -

"During the session, the President of the Commission Gianni Buquicchio and rapporteur Martin Kuijer both had words of praise for the Government of Malta."

One would need to fact-check this but again, rule of law issues occur from abuse

And lastly but not least, the "We need more time" -

"@MaltaGov will give its reaction when the commission issues the final document."

"The government will issue an official position on this opinion after the commission publishes the final report."

"draft opinion" used 5 times