The Maltese National Youth Council (KNZ) released its pre-budget proposals this evening, and made a number of recommendations such as the call for a 24/7 public transport service and the promotion of cycling.

"A 24/7 public transport should be implemented particularly during the weekend that would also help to reduce drunk driving during this time."

The Council backs calls for cycling to be promoted as an alternative mode of transport. "Facilities need to be arranged to increase more active modes of transportation to both encourage physical activity and reduce traffic. With the proposal to renew Malta's roads in the coming seven years, we hope to see better and safer cycle lanes."

The group also calls for setting up solar panelled street lamps as part of the new infrastructure. The council also encouraged government to begin the process of switching to using electric cars.

The youths want to increase opportunities for locals to invest in our economy as well as wanting more information about the risks with buying government bonds and shares. "This is also an issue within the financial sector. This is due to the fact that our banks are being filled with non-resident deposits from a large number of foreign institutions and internationally based firms. This adds risk for liquidity and profitability. Long-term sustainability is a continuous issue due to increasing budgetary costs relating to age. Malta has an ageing population which leads to a rise in pensions and public health care costs. This further emphasises the notion that various revenue streams are needed, so investment in Malta must increase in accordance with the growing costs of that sector."

With regards to the public administration, they argue that barriers to entry for new firms still pertain. "Large bureaucracy is present to prevent possible bankruptcy and there is little aid for firms in calamitous financial situations. This is another factor that impedes further investment in the country so it is imperative that policies are reformed and be able to hit two birds with one stone."

While noting the efforts implemented by the previous budget to increase youth participation in the area of science, similar efforts and further investments need to be made in the areas of healthcare, finance and ICT, they said.

"Educational reform needs to occur, especially with regards the long-life learning sector and opportunities for mature students to be given a second chance. Implementing an MQF level system to the improved courses would also help with regards to aiding in the person's employability."

The Council wants more investment in creating hands-on learning opportunities for students and the inclusion of a small stipend increase for those who take up extra-curricular activities to encourage active citizenship.

"Domestic energy resources should also be more efficiently utilised, particularly those from a renewable source, to reduce the import costs and our dependency on them. This may be done through financial support such as but not limited to tax reductions for companies using renewable energy sources. While noting the vast improvements in the Maltese economy, we hope to see an improvement in the circular economy to further encourage sustainable growth and increased competitiveness due to lower costs."

A GU Clinic should be opened in Gozo to provide better access to healthcare as well as to help combat the stigma of sexually transmitted diseases, they said." On similar lines, the Council wants investment in Post-Exposure Prophylaxis to be more readily available in Malta and help combat the transfer of STIs.

The council also wants to introduce gender neutral bathrooms throughout Malta and Gozo in public places and educational settings.

They call for increased funding to shelters for financially dependent marginalised individuals who are in a precarious situation.

"We also hope to see early investment in female participation in sports to combat any stereotypes that may prevent females from participating in sport at an older age."

They also call on government to Introduce the right to disconnect, "as is the case in France, where employees are not obliged to answer emails after hours."

The youth council also calls for the implementation of a second fibre optic cable between Malta and Gozo to bring the two islands closer together and improve the telecommunication service in Gozo.

Lastly, they encouraged more funding towards initiatives which bring together civil society, local government and citizens in the elimination of racism through funding opportunities for innovative ways of teaching about peace and inclusion, while offering services to those who are victims of discrimination by providing specialised counselling and support services to aid in the elimination of isolation and segregation