AN proposes council to manage Gozo

Azzjoni Nazzjonali has proposed that a regional council be set up on Gozo with the power to levy taxes and manage the island's economic, infrastructural and environmental development.

"Although Gozo is a part of the Maltese state, and follows the same beliefs and speaks the same language, its distinct character is better understood by the Gozitans themselves," AN leader Josie Muscat said.

He was speaking during a press conference held in Gozo on Sunday where AN explained the Gozo-related proposals listed in its electoral manifesto.

AN is proposing that, while Gozo would remain an integral part of the Maltese state, it would be considered a separate region that would be responsible for its own internal management through the setting up of a Gozo Regional Council.

The council members would be elected by the people according to council rules. It would be headed by a mayor representing the party with the most seats in Parliament and a deputy mayor from the opposition.

According to AN's proposals, the council would be responsible for the regional development in the commercial, industrial and tourism sectors as well as the environment and infrastructure.

However, public order, health, education and the law courts would remain the responsibility of the central government.

The regional council would be granted the right to impose taxes and would be allocated funds from the annual budget according to an agreement with the government that would be reviewed according to Gozo's progress.

Other proposals outlined by AN include the setting up of a Gozo Tourism Association represented within the Malta Tourism Authority, the building of a yacht marina and berthing facilities for medium-sized cruise liners, the liberalisation of cargo transport between Malta and Gozo, extension of the Gozo airstrip, and setting up thematic schools that would specialise in specific fields such as technology and finance, apart from offering basic education.

During the press conference Dr Muscat introduced AN's candidate in Gozo for next month's general election, Mary Gauci.