Victor Scicluna has handed-in his resignation from the post of chairman of the Malta Council for Economic and Social Development (MCESD). A Department of Information statement issued yesterday said that Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi has accepted the resignation.

In his letter of resignation, Mr Scicluna said that his chairmanship of the MCESD is now in its fourth year. He said that during these years, the council had succeeded in promoting social dialogue in the country. He said the council was involved in extensive consultation discussions prior to the budget as well as in other important issues. The fact that there were no social problems, and that no industrial action had been resorted to during such a difficult period, is proof of the council's success, he said.

On his part, and on behalf of the government, Dr Gonzi thanked Mr Scicluna for his sterling service. In the official letter of acceptance, the prime minister told Mr Scicluna that he had been instrumental in ensuring that the MCESD had taken on an active role in the drawing up of the social and economical policies of the country.

He said that the council had revolutionised social dialogue in Malta, and this will help the country face up to the new challenges that lie ahead. Dr Gonzi ended his letter by calling on Mr Scicluna to take on a care-taker role until a new chairman is appointed.