Four hundred seventy-six. This is the total number of councillors which will form part of our Local Councils following the elections held on June 8th across all localities in Malta and Gozo.  Think about it for a moment. Nearly five hundred individuals in our country have chosen, out of a sense of altruism, to dedicate their time to serve the communities they live in or care deeply about.

We must also recognize the families of these four hundred seventy-six individuals who often, if not always, share the burden of responsibility that comes with these roles. To all those who were elected, and to their families, I extend my heartfelt thanks. I also want to thank also those who put forward their name to serve their locality but were not elected. My appeal is that the newly elected Councils involve them, through sub-committees or other initiatives, and make use of everyone's talent.

Local Councils are a significant source of national interest. There are those who praise them and those who criticize them. The reality is that Local Councils have entered and found a place into the hearts and minds of our communities because they impact, largely positively, the lives of thousands of residents. Even when criticism is voiced by people on social media and elsewhere, I believe it is done with the intention to improve things, not because one does not believe at all in the concept of Local Councils.

A few months ago, we celebrated the thirtieth anniversary of the establishment of Local Councils. Indeed, three generations ago, we as a country embarked on this journey with the goal of creating stronger local communities that are closer to the people. I would like to salute former President Eddie Fenech Adami, under whose premiership Local Councils were established and brought to fruition.  As we are celebrating the swearing in of the newly-elected councillors, it is clear that over these thirty years, we have made significant progress for the benefit of our residents through Local Councils. When you weigh everything up, the balance definitely tips towards the positive.

As we look towards the future, towards the next generation, it is crucial that our Local Councils remain the cornerstone of positive change in the communities, ensuring that the voices of residents are heard.

Our goal should always be for Local Councils to exemplify how local governance can be a powerful force for good. How can you measure the value of the good done for that elderly person who, thanks to the Council, goes to a day center to spend time with her friends? How can you put a price on the good created by a Local Council when it promotes activities in villages and towns that bring people together? Consider the immense good achieved when a Local Council advocates for residents when something might impact their locality. Similarly, think of the benefits from the creation of open spaces, restoration projects, transport services for residents, and numerous other initiatives which see Local Councils taking a crucial role.

It is imperative that we continue to work hand in hand in this endeavor. Let us foster inclusive communities, encourage people to respect each other more, and build on the many things that unite us while setting aside the few things that divide us.

If there is one lesson that Local Councils have always taught the Maltese and Gozitan people: that once the election day passes, councilors set aside their party colors and focus solely on the good of their locality. From their inception, our Local Councils have understood that the best way forward is to unite everyone's talent in a collective effort for the locality's benefit.

I firmly believe in the potential, Mayors, Deputy Mayors, Minority Leaders, and councilors of Malta and Gozo.

It is also pertinent to mention how our Local Councils have served over the years as the first step for individuals, including myself, to delve into the political sphere and then continue their work on a central level. Five years ago, for instance, there were several councillors taking the oath of office who have become Members of Parliament since, including the Parliamentary Secretary responsible for Local Government, Alison Zerafa Civelli.

And since I am going back to five years ago, I cannot help but mention a friend we lost, who on that day was a key figure in an evening like this one – Silvio Parnis. Thank you, Silvio, for your work.

As a Government, we have continued to increase the financial allocation to councils year after year. We have continued to support councils to carry out more projects and improve the services offered to residents. Millions more have been allocated through schemes issued by the  Local Government division, the various Ministeries and EU funds.

One of the most important steps undertaken in recent months was the drafting and initial phase of implementing the National Strategy for Local Government. This strategy is fundamental to ensure that councils remain relevant and effective in the future.  In particular it prioritizes training for those working in the local government sector, which will ensure our workers are always well-prepared to face daily challenges, particularly those relating to the digital and environmental sectors.

As a Government we also did not hesitate to send the necessary messages when we felt it was right to do so. For example, the significant steps we took as a country to allow 16-year-olds to vote in local elections, then run for local elections, and then by removing all provisions which discriminated according to age in the Act regulating Local Governments are laudable. I am the first one to believe tremendously in the potential of our youth, and I have no doubt that amongst the newly elected Councillors, there are the have future leaders of our country. It should be noted that 135 individuals under the age of 35 have been elected in this round local council elections.

I believe this journey of Local Governance, which began thirty years ago, is still in its early stages – particularly when compared to other jurisdictions abroad. As we continue to overcome challenges and learn, we will see many bright days ahead for this sector.

While we celebrate subsidiarity, democracy, and a firm commitment to serve our local communities and build together a younger, more vibrant, and inclusive Malta for all its residents, let us celebrate the most crucial element in all of this: the people. The people who live in the community, regulate it, and have a voice through Local Councils. I appeal to our Councillors: serve them wholeheartedly. Be humble with them. Always keep a smile. Be loyal to them and nothing else. Love the people. Because they are everything.