SMEs Demand Say in Election Promises

Imagine this: you’re a small business owner in Malta, toiling away at your shop on Strait Street, or perhaps running a bustling café in Sliema. You’re just trying to keep your head above water, when suddenly, an election is called. Now, you’re not just worried about the political climate, but also how the promises being bandied about might affect your livelihood.

The Chamber of SMEs is echoing these very concerns. They’ve raised the red flag over electoral promises being made without consulting the very people who’ll be most impacted: the small and medium enterprises (SMEs) that form the backbone of our Maltese economy.

Remember the 2017 and 2022 general elections? The Chamber points out that many promises were made, from tax cuts to increased funding for SMEs. But were these promises made with the input of the SME sector? The Chamber says no, and they’re not happy about it.

“We’ve seen promises made without consultation, without understanding the needs and challenges of SMEs,” says Chamber President, Marthese Portelli. “It’s like making a recipe without knowing the ingredients. It just doesn’t work.”

So, what’s the big deal? Why should you care if political parties are making promises without consulting SMEs? Well, for starters, SMEs account for 99.9% of all enterprises in Malta. They employ two-thirds of the private sector workforce and contribute to around 30% of Malta’s GDP. In other words, they’re a pretty big deal.

But it’s not just about the numbers. It’s about the practical implications. Take, for instance, a promise to reduce red tape. Sounds great, right? But what if the measures proposed actually increase bureaucracy for SMEs? Or what if a promise to increase funding for SMEs comes with strings attached that make it difficult for businesses to access?

“We’re not saying promises shouldn’t be made,” says Portelli. “But they should be made with the input of those who’ll be affected. It’s about creating a recipe for success, not a recipe for disaster.”

So, what can be done? The Chamber is calling on political parties to engage with the SME sector during their manifestos. They’re also encouraging SMEs to make their voices heard. After all, this is your future we’re talking about. Your livelihood. Your Malta.

“We’re not asking for special treatment,” says Portelli. “We’re asking for a seat at the table. We’re asking for our voices to be heard. Because when SMEs succeed, Malta succeeds.”

And there you have it. The Chamber of SMEs has spoken. Now, it’s time for us all to listen. Because the future of our SMEs, and by extension, the future of Malta, is at stake.