31/01/2025
The Gozo Business Chamber Press Release
Gozo as a Distinct Region in all its aspects
The Gozo Business Chamber notes the two documents issued today by the Malta Chamber of Commerce, Enterprise and Industry and its proposals to ensure a more effective parliamentary system and a fairer representation.
While the Gozo Business Chamber believes for the need of a broader discussion on constitutional changes, and a more effective parliamentary system, which strengthens the national governance scenario, nonetheless the Gozo Business Chamber does not agree with the proposal contained in the document ‘Electoral Reform: A New Approach to Malta’s Elections’ in which it is being proposed that the Gozo district be extended to include both Mellieħa and Mġarr.
In the case of Gozo this is not simply a question of numbers, but what such a move would represent. Article 61 of the Maltese Constitution had in fact tried to preclude such a move, which would effectively fragment the integrity of Gozo. As the discussion about the regional status of Gozo has again gained momentum such a proposal shows lack of sensitivity towards a region which throughout the years has shown its distinctiveness, and for which a distinct policy approach has time and again proved necessary.
Having its own Members of Parliament which speak specifically for Gozo is one of the most important gains for Gozo in Malta’s recent history as an independent nation. The work of these MPs has been crucial along the years for Gozo’s needs to be addressed. This is not enough, and as the Chamber has reiterated again various times the time is ripe for a transparent and honest discussion, and a long-term commitment towards Gozo’s status as a region. This is why the Chamber feels that the proposal of grouping Gozo with other localities goes against the notion of regionality, dismantling one of the gains in terms of governance that Gozo has achieved along the years.
