Updated: Bencini describes MCESD meeting as 'positive'

Malta Council for Economic and Social Development president John Bencini chaired his first meeting of the council this evening, a meeting that most social partners attended under protest because of his appointment. Only the GWU and the Forum – of which Mr Bencini was president until two months ago, were in favour of Mr Bencini becoming president. But at the end the meeting the partners, who raised their objections to Mr Bencini at the beginning of the meeting, appeared to have reluctantly accepted the appointment and said they were willing to look ahead. Earlier today, Prime Minister Joseph Muscat defended his decision to appoint Mr Bencini president saying he was sure Mr Bencini would rise to the occasion. Speaking at the end of the meeting Mr Bencini described the meeting as a positive one. He downplayed the objections to his appointment saying he had expected them and added that today he was a “happy man”. He said he would meet all members of the council on an individual basis for the MCESD to really be a consultative council. He also appealed to Social Dialogue Minister Helena Dalli to increase the MCESD’s budget. Dr Dalli said that the government’s idea was for the chairman...