Malta has achieved a historic milestone by becoming the inaugural European Union member state to grant 16 and 17-year-olds the opportunity to assume roles as mayors and deputy mayors, following unanimous approval of a new bill by the parliament on Monday.
Under this legislation, individuals below 18 years of age who secure the highest number of votes from the party with the majority can ascend to the positions of mayor or deputy mayor.
Pending President George Vella’s signature, the law is poised to take effect in the coming days, potentially paving the way for the emergence of the first 16 and 17-year-old mayors in Malta by the upcoming local council elections in June.
Local government minister Owen Bonnici lauded the development as “groundbreaking legislation”.
Previously, although 16 and 17-year-olds were permitted to vote and participate in local council elections, they were ineligible for the roles of mayor or deputy mayor, even if they secured the highest or second-highest number of first-count votes.
The Maltese Parliament has just unanimously approved a groundbreaking legislation allowing youths under 18 to serve as Mayors/Deputy Mayors. Once signed by the President, Malta will lead the way as the first EU country embracing this reform. 🇲🇹 pic.twitter.com/CoMQI0frCb
— •Owen Bonnici (@OwenBonnici) December 18, 2023
The new law not only addresses this restriction but also introduces amendments allowing underage mayors to sign legal documents on behalf of the local council and making both the mayor and executive secretary “jointly responsible” for legal representation, enabling them to sue or be sued on behalf of the council.
This progressive measure was outlined in the Labour Party’s electoral manifesto and the government’s ‘National Strategic Vision for Local Governments’ document from May. Despite sparking varied emotions, with some mayors expressing concerns about the lack of life experience among 16 and 17-year-olds, others believe that their enthusiasm could invigorate local councils.
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