SMEs Sound Alarm: Electoral Promises Made Without Their Voice

Imagine this: it’s the heart of election season in Malta, and political parties are busy painting their manifestos with grand promises. Yet, in the bustling streets of Valletta, the heart of Malta’s business community, the Chamber of SMEs is raising a red flag. They’re warning that these promises are being made without their consultation, leaving small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the dark about what’s in store for them.

Promises, Promises: A Lack of Consultation

The Chamber of SMEs, representing over 750 businesses, has expressed its concern over the lack of consultation with the SME sector during the formulation of electoral promises. “We’re the backbone of the Maltese economy,” says Marthese Portelli, the Chamber’s President, “yet we’re being left out of the conversation.” Portelli was speaking from the Chamber’s offices in Triq San Giljan, St. Julian’s, a street that’s a microcosm of Malta’s thriving business scene.

Political parties have been busy unveiling their manifestos, filled with promises of tax cuts, improved infrastructure, and digital transformation. But the Chamber argues that these promises lack the crucial input of the very sector they aim to support. “We’re not against promises,” says Portelli, “but they should be based on reality, on what’s feasible and what’s best for our members.”

SMEs: The Elephant in the Room

Malta’s SME sector employs around 60% of the private sector workforce and contributes to about 30% of the country’s GDP. Yet, as the political parties roll out their manifestos, the SMEs feel sidelined. “We’re not asking for special treatment,” says Portelli, “but we deserve a seat at the table. After all, we’re the ones who will have to implement these promises.”

Take, for instance, the promise of improved infrastructure. While it’s a welcome pledge, the SMEs want to know how it will affect their operations, their costs, and their growth. “We need to be part of these discussions,” says Portelli, “so that these promises can be turned into reality that works for us.”

Time for a Dialogue

The Chamber is calling for a dialogue with political parties, to ensure that the promises made are realistic, achievable, and beneficial to the SME sector. They’re not alone in their call. The Malta Chamber of Commerce, Enterprise and Industry, and the Malta Hotels and Restaurants Association have also echoed similar sentiments.

As the election season heats up, the SMEs are hoping that their voice will be heard. “We’re not looking for handouts,” says Portelli, “we’re looking for a partnership. We want to work with the government, not just for it.”

In the meantime, the SMEs continue to go about their business, from the bustling markets of Marsaxlokk to the high-rise offices of St. Julian’s. They’re the unsung heroes of Malta’s economy, and they’re hoping that this election season will mark the start of a new chapter of dialogue and partnership.