John Bencini made MCESD chairman

John Bencini has been appointed chairman of the Malta Council for Economic and Social Development. His appointment was made by the government. In a statement the government said consultations had been held with the social partners, and there had been both favourable reactions as well as reservations. The MCESD groups representatives of the government, employers, trade unions and civil society. It has a consultative role. This is the first time that the council is headed by a person from the trade union camp - with Mr Bencini having served as president of the Malta Union of Teachers and later of the FORUM group of trade unions.  Prior to the general election he spoke at a PL general conference on how he had switched from the PN and was supporting the Labour Party. He was a sharp critic of the former government particularly with regard to the power tariffs. The GWU and FORUM congratulated Mr Bencini on his appointment. The MCESD is to meet next Friday to discuss the Budget ahead of its presentation in Parliament on Monday.