‘Zminijietna – Voice of the Left’ is of the opinion that the reform of Malta’s local councils should lead to more democratisation, whereby councils become closer to residents’ aspirations and have more voice in national politics.
We believe that funding for Local Councils should be more tailored to the 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, while 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.
We also believe that 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 three-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.
We also encourage Goverment to lower voting age limit for Council elections to 16 years.

David Pisani
Zminijietna
Voice of the Left