A new movement has been set up to call for Gozo “to be given what it truly deserves. Autonomous democratic leadership. To encourage both parties to consider this important step.” The name of the movement is – Empowering Gozo: A Call for True Autonomy.
It stressed that Gozo’s geographical separation from Malta and its history of self-governance demonstrate a strong case for autonomy. “From the island’s brief independence from French control in 1798 to the establishment of the Gozo Civic Council in 1961 and later the Ministry for Gozo, Gozitans have shown resilience and a capacity for self-leadership.”
The movement said that while recent efforts by the Maltese government, including the creation of the Standing Committee for Gozo Affairs, have acknowledged Gozo’s unique needs, “these steps are seen as symbolic rather than substantive.”
“Advocates argue that only a democratically elected regional government could enable Gozo to address its challenges in tourism, infrastructure, and sustainability, allowing it to fully realise its potential,” the movement said.
It added that “as Gozitans celebrate their history and look to the future, there is a call for political leaders to commit to a governance model that truly empowers the island’s residents.”
Empowering Gozo appealed for the public to “please join this movement [1] so that we can make a united effort to press authorities toward achieving true autonomy for Gozo.”
File photo: Gozo News/Alain Salvary