A press statement published by the Office of the President states that group Repubblika, set up by political commentator Manuel Delia, are entitled to their opinions. However, the statement continues, they have no right to distort facts to mislead.

In various media reports published yesterday, it was stated that when Repubblika submitted their submission on the process of Constitutional Reform, no sort of acknowledgement was given by President George Vella. 

This, says the press statement, is a distortion of the truth.

On 15th March, then Dr Vella received a packet letter containing documents from Repubblika dealing with Constitutional Reform.

On that same day, Dr Vella answered by email to Ms Marion Pace Asciak, Repubblika President, acknowledging receipt of documents and saying that as he was still not in office, Dr Vella was not in a position to discuss the matter. He answered that he could only promise that once he was in office, he would be more than willing to meet and discuss the matter. 

On 18th March Ms Marion Pace Asciak thanked him for his “prompt response” and said, “we very much look forward to meeting with you to discuss the matter once you are in office”. So much for credibility.

The statement concludes that the President is willing to meet, as he usually does with any civil society representatives, once a formal request is made.