The Local Government Division recently hosted two major events on the island of Gozo as part of the Local and Regional Congress, spotlighting key issues of political participation and multi-level governance.

Parliamentary Secretary for Local Government, Alison Zerafa Civelli, played a prominent role in these events, demonstrating Malta’s leadership in fostering dialogue and collaboration within the European context.

One of the central discussions focused on Women in Politics. Alison Zerafa Civelli had the opportunity to address the session alongside prominent experts and leaders in this field, including former President of Malta, Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca.

The conversation underscored the importance of increasing female political participation and leadership at all levels of government.

Additionally, a conference on Governance across Different Levels was held, emphasising cooperation between local, regional, and national authorities. This event highlighted environmental sustainability, innovation, and shared good practices from Malta and Gozo, serving as an example for effective governance within the European Union framework.

These events reflect Malta’s ongoing dedication to strengthening democratic governance and promoting equality across all tiers of administration. By hosting and actively participating in such forums, Malta reaffirms its commitment to advancing policies that empower local communities and foster inclusive leadership.

The Presidency of the Council of the European Union provides Malta with a unique platform to showcase its initiatives and contribute to shaping Europe’s political landscape through dialogue, innovation, and collaboration.

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Parliamentary Secretary for Equality and Reforms, Rebecca Buttigieg, has condemned recent threats and disrespectful behaviour during public consultations on Assisted Voluntary Euthanasia (AVE).

Following an incident at a community consultation session, Ms Buttigieg expressed deep disappointment over a person who threatened both herself and members of the technical committee. She warned that such conduct could lead to criminal action. The individual also directed insults towards those sharing deeply personal and distressing experiences related to the suffering of relatives at the end of their lives.

Ms Buttigieg stressed that such behaviour is entirely unacceptable, particularly as there is no legal basis for the threats made.

The incident occurred during the third community consultation on voluntary assisted euthanasia, which saw emotional accounts dominate the proceedings. Held in the community hall in Mosta, the event attracted a large audience and featured 22 interventions from the public. Many participants shared stories of their relatives’ suffering, as well as their own fears of facing similar ordeals due to serious hereditary conditions.

Ms Buttigieg expressed her gratitude to those members of the public who, despite great personal sacrifice, openly shared their suffering and experiences during the consultation, including some who described years of hardship caused by terminal illnesses.

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A significant investment to strengthen Gozo’s electricity infrastructure with the installation of over 10 kilometres of new underground cables across the island. This major upgrade aims to improve the reliability and capacity of power supply for residents and businesses alike.

The announcement was made during a visit to ongoing works in Gozo by Minister for Energy Miriam Dalli and Minister for Gozo Clint Camilleri, accompanied by Enemalta Executive Chairman Eng. Ryan Fava and his team.

In 2024, Enemalta commissioned seven new substations across Gozo and laid approximately 3.5 kilometres of medium-voltage cables in areas including Xagħra, Xlendi, Nadur, and Victoria. This momentum is set to continue in 2025 with five more substations coming online and plans to install 10 kilometres of new underground cables in Kerċem, Xagħra, Marsalforn, St. Lawrence, Sannat, Xewkija, and Għarb.

Minister Miriam Dalli said, “This substantial investment in Gozo’s energy infrastructure shows our commitment to providing reliable and modern electricity services. These upgrades will enhance the resilience of our national grid and reduce power disruptions for the people of Gozo.”

Minister Clint Camilleri added, “This investment is a clear sign of the government’s dedication to improving life for Gozitan residents. The new underground cables and substations will ensure a more stable and dependable electricity supply, strengthening the island’s connectivity and resilience. I would like to thank Enemalta and the Ministry for Energy for their continued cooperation on this important project.”

The ministers also visited Enemalta’s offices in Xewkija to meet staff working on upgrading Gozo’s energy distribution network.

Currently, Enemalta is installing 11-kilovolt underground cables in Żebbuġ (Marsalforn) and Victoria as part of a national effort to improve connectivity between distribution centres and substations across Malta and Gozo.

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