Maltese neutrality : outdated or still a brilliant idea?

Abstract

The issue of Maltese neutrality as written down in the Constitution of Malta is from time to time brought to light whenever the small number of lobby groups or individuals who still support Maltese neutrality make their voice heard in objection against government decisions which they claim are unconstitutional. Occasionally, mainly in newspapers, the issue of neutrality is mentioned as whether Malta should maintain, revise or abolish the neutrality clause as written in the Maltese Constitution although the public in general does not seem to be concerned about neutrality and little consideration is given whenever the issue surfaces. In this essay the first part will focus at what happened during and after the Libyan Revolution in 2011 and whether as alleged by ‘supporters’ of Malta neutrality there was a constitutional breach in various occasions by letting foreign forces on Maltese soil and the same forces operating from Malta during the Libyan Revolution. Also in relation to the Libyan, Egyptian and Tunisian Revolution that took place in recent years the question whether Malta’s security is guaranteed by the Constitution is examined. The Maltese Armed Forces commitment abroad is discussed in the following chapter. Is there a Constitutional breach by involving Maltese troops in missions abroad? The case of a planned Swiss Army deployment abroad, in which Maltese troops have taken part for the past years, was discussed in the Swiss Parliament and this case is being taken as an example.