Transparency, consultation and effectiveness make for good governance; they are the recipe for an open and trustworthy government.

This has definitely taken place during the Pre-Budget Consultation Dialogue “For a Better Environment” held at the Auberge De Castille on 2 May.

To begin with, such dialogues illustrate the transparency with which the pre-budget document is constructed. The seat of the meeting is the PM Office; the person listening is the Prime Minister himself.

Emphasis is laid on the word “listening” since during the two-hour dialogue, the Prime Minister, with his feet on the ground and ears wide open, attentively listened to what the general public had to say.

Indeed, the packed room was peppered with people from all walks of life, each representing different and intriguing perspectives. As a member of the audience, one could notice a thirsty audience eager to comment and a willing and determined PM open to suggestions.

As the dialogue drew to an end, the general feeling was that what was said will be weighed and due recognition will be given. Much of what was said will most probably find its way in the pre-budget document.

Transparency, consultation and effectiveness indeed.

David Ciliberti

Naxxar