On Friday evening a celebration to mark 30 years of Local Councils in Malta and Gozo took place at St. John’s Co-Cathedral and at the President’s Palace. A Thanksgiving Mass was celebrated by Mons. Charles J. Scicluna, Archbishop of Malta.

It was on the 30th of June, 1993 that Act number 15, 767 was issued, by law by the Parliament of Malta to provide the establishment of Local Councils in Malta and Gozo.

President George Vella and Mrs Miriam Vella were present for the Mass. At the beginning, as a symbolic sign the regional presidents placed the flags of their respective regions on the chancel.

The President said that Local Councils were and still are the first point-of-contact for citizens to safeguard the strengthening and beautification of their locality, the upkeep of public gardens and other local facilities.

Local Councils, the President added, have a key function to further strengthen the unity in Malta and Gozo, which should also include foreign residents.

He encouraged local councils to continue working so that, as they have managed to do so far, they prove that the devotion of certain aspects of the public administration, from the central government to local authorities, has left positive results, and continues to be in the best interest of the citizens.

The President said that “on behalf of all the people of Malta and Gozo, I would like to express our deepest gratitude for the roles you have played and the service you have provided throughout these years.”

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