Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1140325
4 NEWS maltatoday | WEDNESDAY • 10 JULY 2019 The Malta Developers Association in agreement with the Building Regulation Office is producing a register of Economic Operators engaged in rendering Demolition, Excavation and Construction services. In this regard, MDA will be receiving submissions from these economic operators. The registration period is from: Wednesday 10th July 2019 until the 30th September 2019 Interested parties are requested to register online at: www.mda.com.mt/registry or visit: MDA's Head Office at Ursuline Sisters Str., G' Mangia, Pietà PTA 1227 Monday to Friday from: 8.30am to 1.00pm Applications by post will be accepted and forms may be downloaded from www.mda.com.mt. For more information contact: info@mda.com.mt / 2122 8184. REGISTER OF ECONOMIC OPERATORS ENGAGED IN RENDERING DEMOLITION, EXCAVATION & CONSTRUCTION SERVICES JAMES DEBONO IN 2018, Maltese prime minis- ter Joseph Muscat told Andrew Azzopardi on Radju Malta that under "no circumstance" would he change his mind about exit- ing before the next election. This means that Muscat can still honour his 2018 commit- ment by staying on as Prime Minister until the next general election, which is three years down the line. It also means that somewhere along the line, the party will have to elect a new leader. Here are six good reasons why he should stick to his word and go before the next general election. 1. His departure would cement his reformist legacy By departing before the next election Muscat would be for- malising an unwritten rule of Maltese politics: that political cycles usually last two terms. Eddie Fenech Adami was de- feated after nine years in of- fice between 1987 and 1996. He regained office in 1998 and served for another six years, only to resign a year after the 2003 general election to be replaced by Lawrence Gonzi. Mintoff did leave midway in his third consecutive term, but only after his moral authority was severely tested by the 1981 election result, which saw La- bour losing its popular major- ity after a decade in office. By imposing a term limit on himself Muscat could well be missing on the strong chance of becoming the first PM in Maltese history to win power by securing a popular major- ity in three consecutive elec- tions. So why is he intent on relinquishing this opportunity? Perhaps he genuinely believes in the need for checks and bal- ances. For while nobody would describe Angela Merkel as an autocrat for serving as German Chancellor since 2005, the role of PM in Malta is strengthened by a winner-takes-all political system which is unique in Eu- rope, where most governments are formed by coalitions. So bowing out after 10 years in office could act as a check on the near presidential power enjoyed by Maltese PMs. Such a step is no substitute for the need for substantial consti- tutional reforms like those recommended by the Venice Commission, but dispels the growing perception of a self- perpetuating clique planting its roots permanently in Castille, a perception reinforced by the impunity enjoyed by Muscat's allies in the aftermath of the Panama scandal. Departing before 2022 would set a precedent for future Mal- tese PMs, allow Muscat to leave on a high note having ushered in radical civil liberties and social reforms, and having dis- pelled the perception that La- bour is a hazard for the econo- my. These three years in office could seal his legacy through the introducing further checks and balances, in the full knowl- edge that he won't be around after 2022. 2. By changing his mind Mus- cat would give the impression he was just after a top EU job Muscat never linked his de- parture to an EU appoint- ment. While he never denied his interest in such a post and actively lobbied to secure it, he grounded his intentions to leave after ten years in office in Six reasons why Muscat Six good reasons Joseph Muscat should stick to his word and leave before the next general election MATTHEW AGIUS A motorist involved in a hit-and-run incident in Luqa two days ago has been released on bail after being accused of causing grievous bodily harm, amongst other charges. The arraignment comes after a 27-year-old man from Santa Venera was run over and griev- ously injured by a VW Golf at 9:10pm on Sunday evening in Misrah iz-Zghazagh, Luqa. The driver of the vehicle fled the scene but was spotted in Msida some 30 minutes later by po- lice officers from the Rapid Intervention Unit. The car's driver, 25-year-old Hagen Azzopardi from Msida, was then arrested together with his 19-year-old passenger. Prosecuting Inspector Paul Camilleri, gave some background to the story, explaining that the alleged victim – a former boyfriend of the accused's girlfriend – had repeatedly phoned the girl and her current boyfriend, even after the girl had changed her phone number. The latest calls took place on Sunday when the alleged victim had asked the accused to go to Luqa where the incident eventually took place. He appeared before duty magistrate Simone Grech this morning accused of attempted griev- ous bodily harm, grievous bodily harm and wilful damage to property. Azzopardi was also charged with reckless and dangerous driving. Azzopardi pleaded not guilty to the charges. His lawyers, Franco Debono and Marion Camill- eri, requested bail. The court, after hearing submissions on bail, released the man from arrest against a deposit of €500 and a personal guarantee of €2,500. He was ordered to sign a bail book three times a week and observe a curfew. Azzopardi was also banned from entering Santa Venera. A protec- tion order in favour of the victim was issued. Inspector Paul Camilleri prosecuted. Msida man charged after Sunday hit-and-run A motorist involved in a hit-and-run incident in Luqa on Sunday has been released on bail after being accused of causing grievous bodily harm