"I believe the time has come to strengthen this experience and translate it into more effective measures for the benefit of society," Dr Gonzi said at the swearing in of councilors elected on March 8.
Dr Gonzi has retained ministerial responsibility for local government within his own portfolio.
He thanked the councillors and candidates who failed to get elected for having presented themselves to serve the people
He stressed that the new government would back the councils and better coordinate with them so that development could take place in a sustainable manner and the people could enjoy a better quality of life.
Dr Gonzi laid stress on accountability and proper financial planning and said the government would seek ways how it could help the councils source more EU funds which they were entitled for.
He said councillors should be well versed in legislation concerning local government and guidance given by the Department of Local Government needed to be followed. Councillors also needed to respect the role, laid down by the law, of their executive secretaries. The secretaries, on the other hand, needed to ensure that they did what was expected of them by law, and nothing more.
The Prime Minister urged those present to allow more space within which young people could come up with new ideas and initiatives.