20/10/2026
It-Tlieta, 20 ta’ Ottubru 2026
Stqarrija għall-Istampa mill-Kunsill Malti għall-Iżvilupp Ekonomiku u Soċjali
L-MCESD jappella għal front nazzjonali magħqud kontra d-droga u l-kriminalità organizzata.
Il-Kunsill Malti għall-Iżvilupp Ekonomiku u Soċjali (MCESD) esprima l-appoġġ sħiħ u bla ebda riżerva tiegħu għall-impenn li ħabbar il-Ministru għall-Intern u s-Sigurtà, l-Onor. Glenn Bedingfield, biex tissaħħaħ il-ġlieda nazzjonali kontra d-droga, it-traffikar tad-droga u n-netwerks kriminali responsabbli mit-tqassim tagħha.
L-MCESD enfasizza li t-traffikar tad-droga u l-attivitajiet kriminali organizzati jirrappreżentaw theddida serja għas-soċjetà Maltija, b’mod partikolari għall-familji, iż-żgħażagħ u l-komunitajiet. Minbarra l-impatt tagħhom fuq is-sigurtà pubblika u l-benesseri tas-soċjetà, dawn l-attivitajiet idgħajfu wkoll in-negozji leġittimi, jaffettwaw l-ekonomija u jagħmlu ħsara lin-nisġa soċjali tal-pajjiż.
F’dan ir-rigward, l-MCESD laqa’ d-determinazzjoni tal-Ministru li jsaħħaħ l-isforzi nazzjonali kontra d-droga u l-kriminalità organizzata, filwaqt li saħaq li biex jiġu indirizzati dawn l-isfidi hemm bżonn approċċ koordinat u impenn kollettiv mis-setturi kollha tas-soċjetà.
Filwaqt li l-Kunsill laqa’ t-tħabbira tal-Ministru Bedingfield li jsaħħaħ il-ġlieda kontra d-droga, il-Kunsill saħaq li dak li fl-aħħar mill-aħħar jgħodd mhuwiex id-dikjarazzjonijiet ta’ intenzjoni, iżda azzjoni konkreta u riżultati li jistgħu jitkejlu. Dan għandu jinkludi wkoll evalwazzjoni tal-politiki eżistenti dwar id-droga u tal-effettività tagħhom.
Il-Kunsill esprima wkoll l-apprezzament u s-solidarjetà tiegħu mal-Korp tal-Pulizija ta’ Malta, il-Forzi Armati ta’ Malta, id-Dipartiment tal-Protezzjoni Ċivili, is-servizzi tal-emerġenza fl-isptarijiet u l-ħaddiema kollha fuq quddiem nett li jaħdmu bla heda biex jipproteġu l-ħajjiet, iżommu s-sigurtà pubblika u jħarsu lill-komunitajiet.
L-MCESD appella lill-partiti politiċi kollha, lill-organizzazzjonijiet soċjali, lill-assoċjazzjonijiet sportivi, lill-kunsilli lokali, lill organizzazzjonijiet mhux governattivi u lill-gruppi komunitarji biex jingħaqdu f’dan l-isforz nazzjonali. Il-Kunsill saħaq li l-ġlieda kontra d-droga għandha tmur lil hinn mid-differenzi politiċi u mill-interessi individwali, filwaqt li rrikonoxxa li l-ħarsien tas-soċjetà huwa responsabbiltà komuni.
Permezz tal-organizzazzjonijiet li jiffurmaw parti minnu, li jirrappreżentaw lil min iħaddem, lill-ħaddiema u lis-soċjetà ċivili, l-MCESD tenna l-impenn tiegħu li jappoġġja inizjattivi li jikkontribwixxu għal Malta aktar sigura, b’saħħitha u reżiljenti.
Il-Kunsill temm billi enfasizza li l-ġlieda kontra d-droga tmur lil hinn mill-politika u teħtieġ responsabbiltà kollettiva, kooperazzjoni kontinwa u determinazzjoni. L-MCESD saħaq li Malta għandha titkellem b’vuċi waħda, tibqa’ magħquda u taġixxi b’determinazzjoni
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Tuesday 20th October 2026
Press release from the Malta Council for Economic and Social Development
MCESD calls for a united national front against drugs and organised crime
The Malta Council for Economic and Social Development (MCESD) has expressed its unequivocal support for the commitment made by the Minister for Home Affairs and Security, Hon. Glenn Bedingfield, to intensify the national fight against drugs, drug trafficking and the organised criminal networks responsible for their distribution.
MCESD emphasised that drug trafficking and organised criminal activity pose a serious threat to Maltese society, particularly to families, young people and communities. Beyond their impact on public safety and wellbeing, these activities also undermine legitimate businesses, affect the economy and weaken the country's social fabric.
In this regard, MCESD welcomed the Minister's determination to strengthen national efforts against drugs and organised crime, stressing that addressing these challenges requires a coordinated approach and the collective commitment of all sectors of society.
While welcoming Minister Bedingfield’s stated commitment to intensifying the fight against drugs, the Council emphasised that what ultimately matters is not declarations of intent, but concrete action and measurable results. This must also include a review of existing drug policies and their effectiveness.
The Council also expressed its appreciation and solidarity with the Malta Police Force, the Armed Forces of Malta, the Civil Protection Department, hospital emergency services and all other frontline personnel who work tirelessly to protect lives, maintain public safety and safeguard communities.
MCESD called upon all political parties, social organisations, sports associations, local councils, non-governmental organisations and community groups to unite in this national effort. The Council stressed that the fight against drugs must rise above political differences and individual interests, recognising that the protection of society is a shared responsibility.
Through its constituent organisations, representing employers, workers and civil society, MCESD reaffirmed its commitment to supporting initiatives that contribute towards a safer, stronger and more resilient Malta.
The Council concluded by emphasising that the fight against drugs transcends politics and demands collective responsibility, sustained cooperation and determination. MCESD stressed that Malta must speak with one voice, stand united and act with determination.
