ABOUT US
Who We Are
Repubblika is an independent, non-partisan civil society organisation working to strengthen democracy, the rule of law and good governance in Malta.
We believe that democracy is more than elections. It depends upon institutions that act independently, governments that remain accountable, laws that are applied equally to everyone, and citizens who participate actively in public life. A democratic society flourishes when power is exercised transparently, fundamental rights are respected, and public institutions enjoy the confidence of the people they serve.
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Our mission is to help build that society.
Since our establishment in 2019, Repubblika has worked to promote constitutionalism, defend the rule of law, encourage integrity in public life and strengthen democratic participation. We do this through research, public advocacy, legal action where appropriate, civic education, policy development and collaboration with organisations in Malta and across Europe.
Our work is guided by evidence, constitutional principles and a commitment to the public interest. We engage constructively with institutions while remaining independent of government, political parties and commercial interests. We recognise that democratic societies are strengthened not by unquestioning agreement but by informed debate, accountability and respect for the law.
Repubblika believes that civil society has a vital constitutional role. Independent organisations provide a bridge between citizens and public institutions, encourage participation in democratic life and help ensure that those entrusted with public power remain accountable for its exercise.
We therefore work not only to respond to immediate challenges but also to strengthen the institutions and democratic culture that enable Malta to meet future challenges with confidence.
Our Mission
Our Vision
To strengthen democracy, uphold the rule of law, promote integrity in public life and encourage active citizenship in Malta.
A Malta in which public institutions are independent, accountable and trusted; where the law applies equally to everyone; where fundamental rights are respected; and where citizens actively participate in shaping a democratic society founded upon justice, integrity and the common good.
What we stand for
Independence
Integrity
Democracy
We act independently of political parties, governments and commercial interests.
We hold ourselves to the same standards of honesty, transparency and accountability that we expect from public institutions.
We believe that democracy requires active citizens, informed public debate and institutions worthy of public trust.
Rule of Law
Human Rights
Civic Responsibility
No person or institution is above the law. Public power must always be exercised according to law and be subject to effective oversight.
We support and defend the dignity, equality and fundamental rights of every person.
Democracy depends upon citizens who are prepared to participate, contribute and help shape the future of their country.
Whether through membership, volunteering, partnership, or financial support, everyone who shares these values is invited to contribute to Repubblika’s mission.
Our Story
Repubblika was founded in 2019 by citizens committed to strengthening democracy, defending the rule of law and promoting integrity in public life.
The organisation emerged at a time when confidence in Malta’s democratic institutions had been seriously challenged. It was established on the conviction that safeguarding democracy is not solely the responsibility of governments or public authorities, but also of citizens willing to organise, participate and act in the public interest.
From the outset, Repubblika sought to contribute constructively to national debate through informed advocacy, civic engagement and respect for constitutional principles. As the organisation developed, its work expanded beyond public campaigns to encompass policy research, legislative analysis, strategic litigation, public education and cooperation with civil society organisations across Europe.
Today, Repubblika contributes to discussions on constitutional reform, institutional accountability, anti-corruption measures, human rights, environmental governance and democratic resilience. It participates in European partnerships, undertakes independent research, develops practical policy proposals and works with public institutions, international organisations and fellow civil society organisations to strengthen democratic governance.
While the issues confronting democracy continue to evolve, Repubblika’s purpose remains constant: to contribute to a Malta where democratic institutions are strong, public power is exercised responsibly, and citizens play an active role in protecting the constitutional values upon which a free society depends.
Repubblika is committed to remaining an independent, constructive and enduring voice in Maltese public life.
Our Work
Democracy and Constitutional Reform
We contribute to public debate on constitutional development, institutional reform and democratic resilience through research, policy proposals and public engagement.
Rule of Law
We advocate for independent institutions, effective accountability mechanisms and equal application of the law, supported where appropriate by strategic litigation.
Good Governance and Anti-Corruption
We promote transparency, integrity and accountability in public administration, and encourage reforms that reduce opportunities for corruption and abuse of power.
Human Rights
We support the protection of fundamental rights and freedoms as an essential foundation of democratic society.
Civic Participation
We encourage informed citizenship through public discussions, educational initiatives and opportunities for civic engagement.
Research and Public Policy
We undertake independent research, publish policy papers and contribute to national and international discussions on governance and reform.
European Cooperation
We collaborate with partners across Europe to exchange knowledge and contribute to projects promoting democratic values and good governance.
Governance & Transparency
Repubblika believes that organisations advocating good governance should themselves be governed transparently, responsibly and in accordance with the highest standards of accountability.
Legal Status
Registered Office
Registered under the Voluntary Organisations Act (Cap. 492 of the Laws of Malta).
Registration Number: VO 1670
29, Pjazza tal-Knisja
L-Imqabba, Malta
Executive Committe
Vicki Ann Cremona
President
Vicki Ann Cremona took an active position in civil society following the horrific murder of Daphne Caruana Galizia and joined Repubblika at the time it was being formed. She served as President of Repubblika in 2019-20. She believes in the rule of law and democratic rights of all and is against all forms of oppression or discrimination. A professor at the University of Malta, she also worked as Ambassador to Malta in France and Tunisia (2005-2013). She wrote, edited and translated internationally published articles and books, including “Carnival and power: play and politics in a Crown Colony” (Palgrave Macmillan 2018).
Sandro Rossi
Secretary General
Sandro Rossi has been supporting Repubblika closely since its start and has now offered to contribute in the executive committee. The main values which he holds in high importance are truth and justice. He has been involved in various leadership positions in trade unions, youth politics, and voluntary organisations. Sandro is a nursing manager in a residential care setting, and has specialised in health policy and ethics. He is married and father to three children.
Paula Fleri-Soler
TREASURER
With a background in PR, event organisation and project management particularly in theatre, Paula Fleri-Soler’s activism was prompted by the brutal assassination of investigative journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia on that fatal day in October 2017. She joined the women of #occupyjustice at the beginning of the movement and was invited to join the Repubblika committee at the beginning of the Organisation in January 2019. Since then she has served as treasurer.
Rosette Thake
VICE PRESIDENT
Rosette Thake has been an activist since her secondary school days in the 1980s. With an educational background in communication, sociology and adult training and development, over the years she has been involved in journalism, radio and television production, the management of childcare provision, the cooperative management and national and international representation of the Maltese cooperative sector, the administration of political parties as well as adult training and development. Her deep passion for social justice and firm belief in the power of education for change highlighted many initiatives she has engaged in over the years and was co-opted to the Executive Committee of Repubblika in early 2020.
Isabel Vella
Member
Isabel Vella currently runs various medical services companies but previously worked at the University of Malta and in the tourism industry. She was Deputy Chairman of Heritage Malta for a number of years. Isabel was involved with NGOs and political parties during much of her adult life. She joined Repubblika as a Member of the Committee shortly after its inception.
Leonard Callus
member
Pia Zammit
Member
Pia Zammit runs an educational NGO and is communication skills coach by day, an actor by night, and an activist 24/7. She campaigned for the removal of the theatre censorship laws, started #occupyjustice with her friend and activist Clemence Dujardin, and is one of the founding members of Repubblika.
Manuel Delia
Executive Officer
Manuel Delia is a blogger who works in Malta and focuses on journalism against corruption and good governance. He manages Truth Be Told (manueldelia.com) which is a daily account and commentary of political and institutional issues in Malta with specific attention to mafia crimes, migration and human trafficking, corruption and bribery, and erosion of democracy.
He entered journalism and activism following the murder of journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia in 2017. Together with several other journalists, he continued some of Daphne’s investigations and documented the political and institutional consequences of her assassination.
Manuel is co-author of the book Murder on the Malta Express and author of The Third Siege of Malta.
The Executive Committee appoints a professional executive team responsible for the organisation’s day-to-day management, led by Executive Officer Emanuel Delia.
How Repubblika Works
Our governance reflects the distinction between strategic oversight and operational management.
Members elect the Executive Committee, which is responsible for the organisation’s governance, strategy and accountability.
The Executive Officer leads the staff team and manages the organisation’s day-to-day operations under the direction and oversight of the Executive Committee.
Independence
Repubblika is independent of political parties, governments and commercial interests. Our positions are determined solely through our internal governance processes and are guided by our mission, our values and the public interest.
Accountability
Repubblika is committed to openness and transparency. We comply with the legal obligations applicable to voluntary organisations in Malta and seek to maintain the highest standards of organisational governance.
Our Statute, annual reports, and key organisational policies are published on this website.
Funding
Our work is supported through a combination of membership subscriptions, donations, grants and project funding.
Acceptance of funding does not affect Repubblika’s independence, governance or policy positions. We retain full editorial and organisational independence in all our activities.