Local government in Malta

Abstract

The discussion about strengthening the democratic process in the Maltese islands has for long been in the pipeline. Discussions arise on reviving the Old Civic Committees and the past statutory Gozo Civic Council. In view of the past experiences it was decided to identify and examine the factors that led to their failure and the possible problems that local government will encounter in the light of the prevailing social and political conditions in Malta. This was attempted by first viewing the theoretical and practical aspects of local in particular those relevant to developing countries. An overview was then given of the past experience of local government in Malta followed by two surveys, one to a sample of the Maltese public and other to the politicians. The problem of political influence on the councils was highlighted as the main problem and it was concluded that serious considerations have to be made before embarking on the decentralisation process by local government.