PL MPs Marlene and Godfrey Farrugia this morning said they disagree with a proposal for Local Council elections to be postponed until 2019 to coincide with the European Parliament elections.

Justice Minister Owen Bonnici yesterday confirmed that the government is mulling the idea, which would mean that some local councils actually serve for seven years, instead of four. Dr Bonnici said the government will discuss the matter with all stakeholders.

Speaking on RTK this morning, former Health Minister Godfrey Farrugia said he disagrees with the proposal, which has been dubbed by Opposition Leader Simon Busuttil as undemocratic.

“I have certain values and I intend to make my arguments when the party discusses the issue.” When asked by PN Whip David Agius, who was a guest on the talk-show, if the issue has been discussed by the PL Parliamentary Group, Dr Farrugia said that the subject had been “mentioned.”

Justice Minister Owen Bonnici

 

In reaction to comments by the Justice Minister, who said that the government could save money if less elections are held, Dr Farrugia insisted that "democracy does not have a price tag." The former minister also opined that local elections and EP elections should not mix.

PL backbencher Marlene Farrugia also had reservations on the proposal, and insisted that it could undermine all the hard work that has been put into Local Councils. “We should strengthen Local Councils, not weaken them.”

Dr Farrugia said there is nothing wrong in all council elections being held on the same day – council elections are currently held every two years – but said their term should not be lengthened. “I absolutely do not agree that they should be postponed until 2019. If anything, they should be held earlier. Lengthening the term of some councils to seven years could be a disaster.”

The outspoken government MP said there are two main ways in which local councils can become irrelevant: the first is to die a natural death after a number of years, much like what can happen to a government, and the second is if they have insufficient funds. The government should allocate adequate funds for councils and it should not lengthen their terms beyond their shelf life.

‘Why I did not vote on Enemalta’

Marlene Farrugia also spoke on her refusal to vote on the Enemalta Act, which will turn the corporation into a public liability company. “There is nothing wrong in attracting Chinese investment to Enemalta. The coproration definitely needed a bailout. But were other options explored? If yes, what were these options?”

Dr Farrugia again criticised the government for not publishing relevant documents, including the Memorandum of Understanding signed between the Maltese Government and Shanghai Electric Power – the state-owned company that will acquire a significant share in Enemalta.

“The situation is not clear since the MoU was not published. From what I gather, the Chinese state-owned company will acquire around a third of Enemalta shares. They have also bought the BWSC plant, but who will be running the company? Will we become dependent on China for our electricity generation?”

The PL MP also noted that there is uncertainty on the future of Enemalta employees, and on whether they will be offered the same exact conditions they enjoy now.

“If I had all assurances in hand I would have gladly voted in favour of the Bill, but the information was never presented. I am grateful to the government for saving Enemalta but we have to go a step further. We have to be transparent.”

Following a denial by PL Whip Carmelo Abela that the Bill was not discussed by the PL Parliamentary Group, Dr Farrugia insisted that she was never handed any documents related to the subject. “How can I take a decision when I have no documents in hand?”

The MP appealed to the government to present the relevant documents for scrutiny by experts, even from the Opposition.

See also: PL whip insists parliamentary group discussed Enemalta vote