Study of conflicts in Maltese local councils

Abstract

Conflict refers to "antagonism between individuals or groups in a society. One occurs where there is a clash of interests between two or more individuals or groups; the other happens where people or collectivises engage in active struggle with one another". (Giddens 1994:739) Even in local councils, conflict usually arises because people are self-interested in promoting their ambitions and interests before those of the locality. This does not only portray a negative image on local councils but also threatens councillor's integrity, accountability and commitment. It is within this context that my study on conflicts in Maltese local councils, tries to individuate problems and offer recommendations to ameliorate the situation. This dissertation begins with Chapter 1, which gives a historical background to what will be discussed during the following chapters. It starts by defining the aims of this thesis. This is followed by a brief historical background to local administration in Malta since the establishment of Gozo Civic Council, till the 1993 enactment of the Local Council Act. Throughout this same chapter we will examine the stands taken by the Nationalist party, the Malta Labour party, 'Altemativa Demokratika', and Church vis-avis political party representation in local councils. (People's reactions on this issue will not be ignored.) This chapter concludes by posing the question whether the problems local councils encounter are of a political nature or of another character and discuss the role of the secretary in the local council administration. Chapter 2 defines and examines the issues of politics, power and democracy in the context of local administration. From democratic political theory it elicits and discusses two main concepts, 'sovereignty of the people' and the individualistic axiom of political equality where 'one person has one vote'. It concludes by discussing how the factional forming mentality ingrained in the Maltese culture, has from national politics and social activities spilled over to council administration.