Lawrence Gonzi Urges Institutional Reform Following Yorgen Fenech Trial Verdict

2026-09-07T08:00:43.628+00:00 · Updated 2026-09-07T08:00:43.628+00:00

Former Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi has spoken out in the wake of the trial verdict concerning businessman Yorgen Fenech, insisting that the country cannot simply move on without addressing fundamental institutional failures.

Gonzi, who led the government between 2004 and 2013, stressed that the proceedings linked to the 2017 assassination of journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia laid bare deep systemic issues within key public entities. He noted that what the nation experienced during the trial exposed the vulnerability of vital state bodies.

In his public remarks, the former prime minister insisted that the fallout cannot simply be swept under the carpet. He warned that public authorities must confront the realities revealed in court rather than attempting to minimise the gravity of the findings.

Addressing the broader consequences for the country, Gonzi cautioned that the credibility of national institutions has suffered heavy blows. He noted that unless corrective steps are taken promptly, the reputational damage inflicted on the country will be extremely difficult to repair in the future.

The criminal proceedings surrounding the assassination of Caruana Galizia have remained a focal point of national attention, sparking renewed scrutiny over the conduct of state authorities, the police corps, and regulatory structures over several years.

Gonzi concluded his appeal by calling for collective national change for the benefit of future generations, insisting that restoring integrity to public institutions remains vital to securing justice and stability across Malta.