A national conversation about Malta’s constitutional future
The Civic Constitutional Convention is a year-long initiative led by Repubblika. The project runs from March 2026 to February 2027, with its public phase launching in April 2026. It creates a structured space for citizens, civil society organisations, academics, and other stakeholders to contribute to a shared discussion on constitutional reform.
Through a combination of outreach, dialogue, and structured contributions, the Convention aims to transform public interest in constitutional issues into meaningful participation. The process will culminate in a National Conference in December 2026 and the publication of proposals and proceedings that reflect the contributions made throughout the year.
Participation is open to individuals and organisations. Those interested in taking part or learning more are invited to contact repubblika.mt@nullgmail.com.
Why this project matters
The Constitution shapes how power is exercised, how institutions are held accountable, and how rights are protected. Yet in practice, discussions about constitutional reform tend to remain confined to legal and political circles, often excluding those most affected by the way institutions function.
This initiative is based on the belief that constitutional reform must be grounded in broader democratic participation. By making these issues more accessible and by creating opportunities for informed engagement, the Convention seeks to widen the space for public input and strengthen the role of civil society in shaping Malta’s democratic future.
Who can participate
The Convention is open to anyone with an interest in Malta’s constitutional future. While civil society organisations, academics, and professionals are expected to play an important role, participation is not limited to organised actors. Individuals are equally encouraged to contribute, whether they bring professional expertise, lived experience, or simply a commitment to democratic values.
A particular effort will be made to reach participants who are not usually represented in formal policy discussions, including young people and those whose voices are often overlooked in institutional processes.
How the process works
The Convention is designed as a gradual and supported process that allows participants to engage at different levels over time.
In the early stages, Repubblika will focus on outreach and engagement, organising briefings, discussions, and meetings that introduce key constitutional themes and provide a common foundation for participants. These sessions are intended not only to inform but also to create space for exchange, helping participants to develop and articulate their ideas.
As the project progresses, participants will be encouraged to formulate their contributions more concretely. Support will be provided to help translate initial reflections into structured proposals, whether in the form of short texts, policy ideas, or more developed papers.
A central moment in this process will be the publication of a Call for Papers in early September 2026. This will invite more formal submissions from both organisations and individuals, creating a bridge between open participation and structured deliberation.
Key moments in the Convention
The Convention unfolds over several phases, each building on the previous one.
Following its launch in April 2026, the project will move into a period of sustained outreach and engagement throughout the summer months. This phase is intended to broaden participation and prepare the ground for more structured contributions.
In early September 2026, the Call for Papers will formally open the process to structured submissions from organisations and individuals. On 10 October 2026, a civil society round table will bring together participants to present emerging ideas, gather feedback, and help strengthen contributions still in development. These submissions will feed directly into the National Conference, which will take place on 13 December 2026.
In the final phase of the project, the outcomes of these discussions will be consolidated into published proceedings and a revised position paper, to be issued by 28 February 2027.
What the Convention will produce
The Convention is intended to generate both ideas and tangible outputs. The discussions and contributions developed throughout the year will be captured in a set of conference proceedings, ensuring that the breadth of perspectives is documented and accessible.
In addition, Repubblika will publish a revised position paper on constitutional reform that reflects the insights gathered through the process. This document will aim to translate the diversity of contributions into a coherent set of proposals that can inform public debate and institutional consideration.
Our approach
The Convention is guided by a commitment to openness, inclusivity, and structured dialogue. It seeks to balance accessibility with rigour, ensuring that participation is both wide and meaningful. By encouraging exchange across different sectors of society and grounding
discussions in evidence and experience, the project aims to demonstrate how civic participation can contribute constructively to democratic reform.
Funding and transparency
This project is part-funded by the Small Initiatives Support Scheme (SIS), managed by the Malta Council for the Voluntary Sector (MCVS), with the support of the Ministry for Inclusion and the Voluntary Sector (MIV).
This project and its outputs reflect the views only of Repubblika. The MCVS cannot be held responsible for the content or for any use that may be made of the information produced.
Get involved
Repubblika invites individuals and organisations to take part in this process and contribute to the national conversation on constitutional reform.
For further information or to express interest in participating, please contact: repubblika.mt@nullgmail.com
Updates and additional information will be published on this page as the project progresses.
