Kaizenlog

Press Release 23/09/08
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LOCAL COUNCIL REFORM – ZMINIJIETNA’S FEEDBACK

Zminijietna – Voice of the Left,��� said that the reform of Malta’s local councils should lead to the democratization of democracy, whereby Councils are closer to residents’ aspirations and Councils have more voice in national politics.

Zminijietna – Voice of the Left proposed the following measures for the local council reform, which should form part of Local Council legislation:

Funding for Local Councils should be more realistic to councils’ needs, and councils should have more autonomy and accountability in expenditure and revenue programmes;

Councils should be more democratic and engage in public consultation over major decisions;

Council feedback should have more weight when consulted by State authorities;

Councils should be more accessible to the public through projects in partnership with community organizations, NGOs and residents;

Voluntary work in various areas should be encouraged by Local Councils through the establishment of subcommittees;

Councils should have more authority in the creation of bye-laws;

Council legislature should be longer than the current 3-year term;
Public sector workers whose employment is no longer required can be engaged by local councils to carry out administrative, technical and other productive jobs;

Local Council tenders should include proper environmental and social conditions such as workers’ rights and green procurement;

Local Councils should have more authority on usage of public land for various forms of activities, programmes and initiatives;

All Councillors should be financially compensated. However, Local Council reform should not include a full-time wage for Mayors as this can result in disproportionate powers for Mayors over councillors and executive staff, thus resulting in a democratic deficit;

Voting age limit for Council elections should be reduced to 16 years.

David Pisani
Public Relations Officer

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