A constitutional amendment placing the principle of subsidiarity as a constitutional guideline and point of reference for public administration is being proposed by Alternattiva Demokratika in its proposals on the reform of local government.

AD chairman Carmel Cacopardo presented the party’s proposal in reaction to the White Paper on Local Government on Friday.

Mr Cacopardo said AD believed there needed to be greater commitment by the government for greater involvement by councils.

It believed all councillors and not just the mayor should receive an honoraria and that it should be local councils themselves that decided where to have administrative councils.

AD’s proposals in full can be read here.

Proposals on the reform were also presented by the National Association of Executive Secretaries of local and regional councils (Ansek).

The organisation also stressed the importance that the principle of subsidiarity was safeguarded at all times and that every reform should give the people the necessary tools to enable them to take the decisions that affected them directly.

It warned against the paternalistic attitude some central authorities could have towards councils. Councils, it said, had already proved themselves and when given the right tools, they obtained results. So they should be trusted more and their powers should never be decreased.

Ansek’s document in full can be read in the pdf link below.

Another reaction was from the Kunsill Nazzjonali Żgħażagħ which said it agreed with proposals to allow 16-year-olds to contest local elections, and agreed they should be allowed to hold any position to which they were elected. 

KNŻ suggested that periodic, compulsory training should be held for all councillors, regardless of age or years in office. This would ensure that all individuals holding a seat were trained in the skills required to professionally run a council, and action should be taken against those who failed to attend such sessions.

KNŻ said it believed that a general discussion should be held over and above the current consultation, specifically on councils’ powers and responsibilities.