Franco Debono is the Prime Minister’s adviser on justice reform

Franco Debono is all over the internet comments-boards right now, flinging insults and condescension in the Justice Minister’s direction for having chosen Ingrid Zammit Young and Caroline Farrugia Frendo to be made magistrates. His objections are not on the basis of corruption or nepotism or even cronyism – how can he make those accusations, when his appointment falls into the same category? – but because “Owen” should have known they are unconstitutional.

Owen (Owen being the Justice Minister)? Regardless of who chose them, those names were approved by the cabinet, led by the Prime Minister who, it is quite obvious, was the one who chose Anglu Farrugia’s daughter in the first place, because of the debt he owes him.

And who is supposed to advise the Prime Minister on matters related to justice and justice reform? Why, Franco Debono himself. In addition to what he receives for his supposed position as President of the Law Commission, Debono is paid €1,416 a month (reply to a question in parliament last October) and an allowance of several thousand euros a year for using his own car, as the Prime Minister’s consultant on justice reform. It was his job to tell Muscat that the appointments are unconstitutional, and for some reason, he did not.