‘Youth will bring a quantum leap to our political landscape’

Prime Minister Joseph Muscat and PN leader Adrian Delia yesterday highlighted the impact young people will have on the political landscape during a special parliamentary sitting to celebrate the approval of a constitutional amendment allowing 16-year-olds to vote in all elections.

The reform, which was approved by Parliament Monday evening, was spearheaded by Parliamentary Secretary Julia Farrugia Portelli, who has said that more than 8,000 youth will now be able to vote in next year’s European Parliament elections.

Speaking before a number of youth, Muscat said he was proud that the legislation passed through with unanimous approval from the House, so they could all come together and “celebrate a historic vote, not only for this country but for democracy in general.”

He took umbrage at implications that he had presented the bill as a means to buy the votes of 16-year-old voters. “You cannot buy their votes. This country is on the natural path of progress.”

The prime minister further explained that the demographic will bring a significant change in policy and that political parties will need to alter their discourse to appeal to the more idealistic demographic.

Reflecting on the local council elections in 2015, which was the first election 16-year-olds voted in, he said that he was surprised that the turnout was the same as other age groups and not greater.

“This means that we cannot simply just give them this right; there has to be greater engagement. There is going to be a quantum leap in the way we do politics by the next election cycle.”

Muscat revealed that the age of consent will be lowered to sixteen through the domestic violence bill which is being discussed at the parliamentary committee stage.

He also said that the government will transpose the EU directive on parental consent for a child to use social media when it comes into force. This will be applicable to 13-year-olds and younger.

PN leader Adrian Delia told Parliament that the youth are the country’s best asset in an area devoid of natural resources.

“You don’t just dictate the direction or policy of this country, you are an essential part of that change,” he said.

The young speakers who were present in Parliament were evidence that the decision Parliament had made was not only unanimous but just, Delia explained.

Government MPs commend KSU educational initiative

Parliamentary Secretary Julia Farrugia Portelli commended the university and sixth form students who gathered outside Parliament just last week to recommend that the Vote-16 change in the law should be supported by an educational framework.

The University Student Council (KSU), together with sixth form student councils, called for civic studies to be introduced in secondary schools so that students are given the right tools to make an informed decision when it is their turn to cast their vote.

She said that it was only right for 16-year-olds to have a voice when decisions taken in Parliament affected their day-to-day lives.

PN MP Ryan Callus spoke about a solid foundation and backing of the principle: no taxation without representation. He said it was not fair for 16 and 17year-olds to be paying social security contributions and not have a say on who they are paying their taxes to.

He too commended the KSU educational initiative which called for civic studies to be introduced in classrooms.

President of the National Youth Council Michael Pullicino said that he commended the change in the law and called for discussions about taxes paid by 16 and 17-year olds not contributing towards their pensions.

“It should have happened a long time ago.”

He also praised the ability youth had to bring the House, which has been divisive and combative over the past years, together.