Social partners want cannabis reform debate put off until election

The discussion on cannabis reform should be postponed until after a general election to avoid the issue devolving into a political football match, a group of some of the country’s major social partners have said. “It would be better if this White Paper is not discussed in the confrontational environment of an election, where there is danger of it becoming a political football match, and decisions could be made that may appeal to minorities with vested interests and not in the interest of society at large,” they said in a letter to both political parties in parliament. “The necessary research must be carried out as well as a social impact report. Consultation must be carried out with all involved parties, including social partners, before decisions are made. This should be done objectively after the election and without pressure on parties to marginally gain votes during their electoral campaign.” The letter was signed by the Malta Employers’ Association, the Malta Chamber of SMEs, the Malta Chamber of Commerce,  Enterprise and Industry, the Malta Hotels and Restaurants Association, the Confederation of Malta Trade Unions, UĦM – Voice of the Worker, the Gozo Regional Committee...