ADZ-Green Youth have presented their election manifesto. “Our manifesto is based on the economy, social issues and ecological aspects that young people have to encounter to ensure a comprehensive and holistic vision for young people in Malta and Gozo.”

“Young people have to face a number of challenges and as the youth section of Alternattiva Demokratika, we have addressed these issues after consulting young people themselves.”

Deborah Zahra on behalf of ADZ-Green Youth said, “we are living in a rat-race where most young people have to cope with heavy burdens thus hindering us from living the quality life we deserve. This manifesto addresses salient issues and the way politics can help young people to live a healthier, safer and more fulfilling life.”

Young couples are faced with escalating property prices and lack of places to rent. A reform in the rent laws is needed to open up the rent market and slow down the catastrophic building rate especially as there are more than enough empty houses (53,000) already. Ms Zahra said “The obsessive idea of developing every little bit of land in our country is affecting people in many ways. Quality of life is being jeopardised. Young people and young couples with children could barely find any safe open space for leisure.

Respiratory diseases are on the increase due to high levels of pollution. We want an overhaul of the transportation system. The traffic dead-locks are inducing stress, wasting a lot of time and fuel. Free public transportation, tax incentives for motorcycles, proper bike lanes and alternative systems of transportation would definitely alleviate these problems. Preserving our environment will also make financial sense. We must bear in mind the long term benefits of environmental sustainability namely tourism, energy and fresh water supplies.

ADZ-Green Youth will continue to strive for the acknowledgment and the full enjoyment of civil liberties and the recognition of civil unions and divorce. ADZ-Green Youth believes in an education system that is dynamic, promotes progress and recognizes that youths today can learn and develop their personality and intellect in different ways and settings. The young generation should be assisted to develop a critical mind, rather than imposing indoctrination of ideas. This policy recognizes that education can occur in formal and non formal contexts. We believe that youth should be provided with opportunities for self-development be it artistic, sportive or other areas and for furthering their careers. Also, all young people, skilled or unskilled should have equal possibilities to attain financial security.

Ms Zahra said that addictions such as drugs, alcoholism and gambling should be considered as a detriment to young people and their significant others. “We believe in prevention through education and know that investing in people’s self esteem from a young age is one of the most effective ways.” Deborah continued saying “that treatment and harm reduction are much more effective than punishing addicts.” It is also ironic that while Sedqa and Caritas do the precious work of educating people against such addictions, the state is openly promoting gaming for the sake of profit. ADZ believes that in the area of addictions, the law is once again “strong with the weak and weak with the strong.”

This is just an overview of our proposals for the Manifesto of Young Greens. Please visit www.alternattiva.org.mt and http://www.maltaelection2008.com for the full version, or click here to download now.

Permalink: Quality of life for the young people of Malta and Gozo – For a greener Malta and Gozo