The Malta Independent 10 February 2025, Monday
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Gozo’s push for regional autonomy: A vision or a mirage?

Emmanuel J. Galea Sunday, 19 January 2025, 08:14 Last update: about 23 days ago

The Gozo Business Chamber's recent call for regional autonomy enshrined in Malta's constitution has reignited a long-standing debate about Gozo's governance. Celebrating its 25th anniversary, the chamber proposed a bold vision, arguing that autonomy would allow Gozo to address its unique challenges and outline its needs effectively. The chamber has shifted focus from its previous advocacy for a permanent Malta-Gozo tunnel, now favouring an upgraded ferry fleet and improved port infrastructure as immediate priorities. However, the push for autonomy raises critical questions about its feasibility, the implications for Gozo, and whether its proponents fully understand the responsibilities that come with it.

During the event marking the chamber's milestone, President Michael Galea emphasised that autonomy would give Gozo the tools it needs to compete and address its community's priorities. Galea urged the modernisation of Gozo's ferry fleet, proposing to increase the ferry fleet to five and replace aging ferries with modern alternatives. He also called for port upgrades, pointing to the essential role the Gozo Channel plays in sustaining the island's economy. Without efficient connectivity, businesses suffer, tourism declines, and daily life for residents becomes chaotic. Galea linked these infrastructure improvements to the broader vision of autonomy, suggesting that local decision-making would speed up such changes.

Chamber CEO Daniel Borg expanded on this vision by calling for a political dialogue focused solely on Gozo's well-being. He urged leaders to set aside partisan agendas and instead work toward solutions that directly benefit the island. Borg expressed the chamber's aspiration to transform from an NGO into a legally recognised institution with greater independence, advocating for a seat on the Malta Council for Economic and Social Development. These structural changes, Borg argued, would strengthen Gozo's voice in national decision-making while laying the groundwork for regional autonomy.

The autonomy proposal echoes suggestions from various political figures. Former Gozo Minister Anton Refalo, presently Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries, and Animal Rights recently called for special regional status in the constitution, framing it as a matter of fairness and recognition for Gozo's distinct identity. Nationalist MP Chris Said also proposed devolving powers from the Gozo Ministry to an elected regional council with executive authority. Despite these converging opinions on the need for greater self-governance, disagreements persist over how to implement it.

The chamber's vision, while ambitious, demands scrutiny. Advocates often present autonomy as a straightforward solution to Gozo's challenges, but they rarely address its complexities. Autonomy would require Gozo to establish its own administrative structures, including a regional council and associated institutions. These changes would significantly increase operational costs for an island with limited financial resources. Currently, Gozo relies heavily on Malta for funding, particularly for infrastructure projects and essential services like healthcare and education. Autonomy would cause a sustainable revenue model, which could involve new taxes or other financial measures. These adjustments might strain businesses and residents, raising questions about whether the benefits would outweigh the costs.

The chamber's push for regional autonomy also assumes that Gozo can operate independently in critical areas, but the island's reliance on Malta complicates this assumption. Essential services such as electricity, higher education, and specialised healthcare remain centralised in Malta. Autonomy would not eliminate this dependency, making cooperation between the two islands crucial. Without well-defined agreements, conflicts could arise, potentially disrupting services that Gozitans depend on daily.

The economic viability of autonomy presents another challenge. With a population of just 33,000, Gozo faces limitations in generating sufficient revenue to sustain a regional government. The chamber has yet to outline a comprehensive plan for diversifying Gozo's economy to support autonomy. While tourism remains a key driver, it exposes the island to vulnerabilities from seasonal fluctuations and external shocks. Autonomy would require Gozo to expand its economic base, possibly through investments in renewable energy, digital innovation, and sustainable agriculture. However, achieving this diversification demands time, resources, and careful planning.

The chamber's call for better connectivity highlights another immediate priority. By advocating for an upgraded ferry fleet and modernised ports, the chamber addresses a pressing issue that affects Gozo's economy and quality of life. Frequent disruptions to the ferry service and aging vessels create bottlenecks for businesses and residents. Improving connectivity would provide tangible benefits, enhancing the island's appeal to tourists and investors alike. These practical measures may offer more immediate results than the broader autonomy proposal, which requires long-term negotiations and structural changes.

Political considerations further complicate the autonomy debate. Refalo's recent comments, while supportive of regional status, reflect his personal frustrations over being removed from the Gozo Ministry. Critics suggest his advocacy for autonomy stems more from personal grievances than genuine concern for the island's future. Said's proposal for incremental reforms offers a more measured approach, focusing on empowering local governance without the administrative burdens of full autonomy. These differing perspectives reveal the lack of consensus even among those who support greater self-governance for Gozo.

Achieving autonomy would also require a constitutional amendment, demanding a two-thirds majority in Parliament. Malta's deeply polarised political landscape makes this level of agreement difficult to secure. Even with broad support for the concept of autonomy, the practical steps needed to implement it face significant resistance. Establishing a regional council, defining its powers, and ensuring its accountability would involve years of negotiation, planning, and legislative action. In the meantime, Gozo's immediate concerns-connectivity, healthcare, and infrastructure-would remain unresolved, potentially diminishing public enthusiasm for autonomy.

Rather than pursuing full autonomy as a single step, Gozo might benefit from gradual reforms that address its most pressing issues while building the capacity for greater self-governance. Strengthening the Ministry for Gozo by increasing its powers and funding could serve as a practical starting point. Similarly, granting the Chamber a formal role in national economic discussions, such as a seat on the Malta Council for Economic and Social Development, would enhance Gozo's influence without requiring constitutional changes. These measures would address immediate challenges while preparing the island for more substantial reforms in the future.

Connectivity improvements should remain a top priority. Modernising the ferry fleet, upgrading port facilities, and exploring sustainable transport options such as providing car ferry services similar to the fast ferry service to Valletta, would provide immediate relief to businesses and residents. These actions would show tangible progress, bolstering public confidence in local governance. Investing in infrastructure not only strengthens the island's economy but also lays the groundwork for more ambitious initiatives like regional autonomy.

The autonomy debate ultimately raises a fundamental question: What does Gozo truly need to thrive? While the vision of autonomy inspires many, no one can ignore its practical challenges. Effective governance requires not just the desire for independence but also the capacity to manage resources, deliver services, and address the island's complex needs. The Chamber's proposal offers a bold vision, but it must also acknowledge the hard work and strategic planning required to make it a reality.

As the Gozo Business Chamber celebrates 25 years of existence, it finds itself at a crossroads. Its leadership must balance the long-term vision of autonomy with the immediate needs of the Gozitan community. By focusing on practical measures that address pressing issues like connectivity and infrastructure, the Chamber can build momentum for broader reforms. Autonomy may remain a distant goal, but incremental changes can pave the way for a governance model that truly empowers Gozo.

The path to regional autonomy lies not in lofty declarations but in pragmatic actions that deliver real benefits. Whether Gozo achieves autonomy or opts for incremental reforms, the focus must remain on creating a prosperous and sustainable future for the island. By addressing immediate needs and engaging in thoughtful dialogue, Gozitans can chart a path that honours their aspirations while embracing the realities of governance.


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