Grace Attard

The reform of the Malta Council for Economic and Social Development is an issue that very rarely is given the importance it deserves, by the media in particular. Since its inception in 2000, it has retained the same structures with a handful of employer and worker representatives in a power-sharing struggle, which does not reflect the developments that are taking place today in our islands, now part of a huge European Union.

Take for example, the MCESD (wrongly worded) civil society (sub) committee.

The term in itself does not mean non-governmental organisations; it, in fact, has a wider meaning. A more suitable term, such as MCESD ‘third sector’ or MCESD NGOs should be sought.

Secondly, government commissions should not form part of the MCESD ‘third sector’ as they are neither NGOs nor civil society.

Thirdly, this so-called (sub) committee should have equal status with the two sectors: employer and worker representatives. It should include a wider representation of organisations working in areas that have become top priorities today such as energy, environment, climate change and public health among others. Why retain the status quo when we could be utilising the expertise of individuals and organisations that can substantially contribute to the economic, social and sustainable growth of our islands.

The French Economic and Social Council is currently undergoing reforms to ensure that today’s needs are addressed in a concerted effort. Proposals include also referrals both from government and own initiative referrals and requests from public authorities. The process of ‘participative democracy’ through which ordinary citizens, through the proper structures are able to exercise their right to be consulted on matters of national interest is gaining recognition. Indeed it is EU membership that has made this citizen’s right a reality.

Our Parliamentary Secretary for Public Dialogue and Information within the Office of the Prime Minister is working on an inclusive consultation process, which however should not remain piecemeal but should result in the MCESD reform, including its legal framework

The European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) can serve as an ideal model. Reformed structures within the MCESD should provide for sub-group meetings of representatives from all three sectors specialised in a particular theme under discussion to study, debate and come up with a single document well ahead the MCESD meeting for all members. This will ensure that in the final phase of the MCESD meetings a single document is tabled, limiting the debate to areas of controversy only, if necessary. Whether the government is represented or not should not be an issue, as long as measures are taken to ensure that the process of consultation remains unobstructed.

Proposals must be treated with foresight and evaluated not only in the interest of the sector which they represent, but in the overall interest of the country. Bringing together a wide representation of the different sectors of our society in a consultation process that is shaped on EU principles and practices would indeed be a unique step forward in the course of our democratisation and would make every individual proud that his/her opinion counts.

Grace Attard is EESC Group III representative