The Nationalist Party has called upon the government to bring into force the Social Enterprise Act, four years after Parliament's approval.
It said on Friday that this act was approved in Parliament unanimously back in 2022, yet "this important law remains on the shelf" over four years later.
The PN said it is seeking for the government to publish a clear timeline that sets out when this Social Enterprise Act will come into force. It added that this timetable should ensure that it is implemented following a full consultation with all sector stakeholders.
"The PN stresses that our country cannot continue to leave such an important law on the shelf. Those working to create social impact should be given a clear framework, not uncertainty," the Nationalist Party said.
The party in Opposition also said that "those who wish to invest their time, skills and resources in initiatives that support people and communities should find a State that understands and supports this value."
The PN said that social enterprises are economic initiatives that have a clear social purpose, where success is measured not only by profit, but also by the value created for society.
The PN's Shadow Minister for the Self-Employed, Small Enterprises and Cooperatives, Michael Piccinino said that for social enterprises, this can include, among other things, employment and training for people who find it difficult to enter the labour market, community services for older persons or persons with disabilities, initiatives supporting people at risk of poverty or exclusion, projects that provide skills to young people and adults, and businesses that reinvest a substantial part of their resources in their social mission.
Piccinino said that when speaking about social enterprise, lawmakers do not only discuss legal structures or technical terminology but also discuss how the economy can also work for those who are too often left behind.
"We are speaking about employment opportunities, inclusion, dignity, services closer to people, and stronger communities," he said.
On Friday, the Nationalist Party said that it believes that "Malta needs a clear, robust and credible framework for social enterprises" - a framework that provides certainty to those working within the sector, offers direction to new initiatives, and ensures them that the term "social enterprise" is used correctly and consistently whilst being linked to clear criteria.
The PN concluded its statement by saying that it remains committed to fostering an economy that rewards initiative while recognising and supporting those who work with a clear social purpose.
Hence, the government "must therefore stop dragging its feet and give this sector the seriousness it deserves," it said.