TMID editorial: The need for more resources in Parliament
The Malta Independent on Sunday reported this Malta’s new Parliament, with a record total of 79 deputies, is costing the taxpayer at least € 1,460,819.7 a year.
Some argue that this is a lot, others argue that it is not. This number is likely on the downside. Keeping in mind that there are direct orders being given for more € 1 million for certain projects, however, may not be so obvious.
Now the argument that there are too many MPs for the size of Malta is valid. In truth, this country needs full-time MPs, but having 79 full-time MPs with higher wages would be expensive.
The idea of a full-time MP has its pros and cons. For example, full-time MPs will be able to devote all their time to representing the people, part-time MPs cannot. However, the prospect of becoming a full-time deputy and losing your profession, especially a lucrative one, may dissuade some of the better minds in the country from running for politics.
So perhaps giving the option to a full-time MP is the way forward – to have a mix between the two. Full-time MEPs will, of course, need a better financial package. We hope that the Gender Balance Mechanism has started the process in Malta for more women to be elected through the normal voting procedure, and next time this will result in a smaller Parliament.
But one thing is certain. Members of Parliament, whether full-time or part-time, need more resources. It is unfair that the Leader of the Opposition has only one driver, no research staff. Obviously the members of the Cabinet need and have staff to help the government and also to help with research and collect data to answer Parliamentary questions, drafting bills and so on. So it’s good to have this staff. But at the same time, shouldn’t political parties in Parliament also have staff to research government bills? Shouldn’t they have staff to help study the countless reports that are being published?
We are not saying that every MP should have a staff of two or more, like the European Parliament, but the parties themselves, or at least the opposition party, should have available staff of at least three or five people. to help. with research. Government backbenchers are meant to scrutinize the government – although it is impractical in Malta to do so. But in order to do so, they may need research staff or legal minds to help them understand the bills being put forward. Not every member of parliament is a lawyer.
It is very difficult for part-time MPs to have a full-time job and at the same time keep up with every bill passed by Parliament. That is why some form of party research staff can be a way to lighten the burden a bit and ensure a better understanding of what is being proposed.