Prime Minister Joseph Muscat today said that 16-year-olds will be given the vote in Local Council elections in 2015.

Speaking during a press conference with stakeholders, he emphasised that this first step is just the beginning, in what could eventually lead to youths being given the vote in general elections and referendums.

Dr Muscat said that Malta “should not just follow the European trends, but set them.”

He said that more has to be done in order to increase the participation of women in politics, saying that the country has failed in this regard.