The Maltese government has introduced a bill to allow 16 and 17-year-old local councillors to become mayors or deputy mayors, amending current legislation.
Currently, though they can vote and run for council elections, they are ineligible for these positions, even if they receive the highest votes. The bill, if approved, would permit councillors under 18 who win the most votes from the majority party to assume these roles.
Additionally, it allows mayors under 18 to sign legal documents on behalf of the council. It also proposes joint responsibility between the mayor and executive secretary in legal matters. Malta’s next local council elections are scheduled for June 2024.
This move would make Malta the first EU country to allow 16-year-olds to be elected as mayors. The initiative was part of the PL’s electoral promise and the government’s ‘National Strategic Vision for Local Governments’ document published earlier.
Minister Owen Bonnici emphasized the significance of these amendments, highlighting their historic nature in empowering youth in society. Parliamentary Secretary Zerafa Civelli announced plans for mentor programs to ensure young councillors understand their duties.
The Nationalist Party also proposed a similar initiative last year. In 2019, underage councillors Carlos Zarb, Abraham Aquilina, and Ilona Fenech were elected.
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