Alternattiva Demokratika – The Green Party said that Government’s proposed budget for 2012 was mixed, with a number of positive proposals, yet it postpones Malta’s energy problems as regard dependence on fossil fuels and unsustainable water usage. AD also said that tax amendments, though positive, should have been progressive.
Michael Briguglio, AD Chairperson and Spokesperson for Economy and Finance, said, “AD welcomes the fact that Malta’s deficit is decreasing, and we welcome the intention to have further deficit reductions in a context of global crisis and EU requirements. We congratulate the Government for this important achievement, but we augur that the projections do not lose track for electoral purposes, as was the case prior to previous elections. Deficit reduction is essential for a sustainable economy.”
“As regards fiscal policy, AD agrees with measures such as tax deductions to all parents, even though we would have preferred it to be progressive by rewarding income earners on the lower taxable scales. We however regret that Government has once again failed to introduce tax on property speculation, despite the increase in vacant property and the lack of affordable housing for low and middle income earners.”
“AD is also critical of the fact that once again, the Government has failed to give priority to renewable energy. Malta is required to have 10% of energy coming from renewable sources by 2020. Yet, Government persists in introducing sporadic initiatives rather than holistic policies for renewable energy use. The plain truth is that dirty fossil fuels will keep increasing in price whilst increasing pollution in the process. The only guarantee for clean energy and stable prices comes from renewable energy, which creates green jobs in the process.”
Carmel Cacopardo, AD Spokesperson for Sustainable Development and Home Affairs, said, “The budget does not refer to action which government will be embarking on during the fiscal year 2012 to protect water resources. In particular it is silent on the need to accelerate the process through which to stop the illegal extraction of water through unauthorised boreholes. This depletion of the water table has a direct impact on the availability of water for consumption purposes as it forces Water Services Corporation to rely heavily on reverse osmosis and is in itself a contribution to the prices which are charged for water. Nor does the budget refer to the implementation of the Climate Change Adaptation Strategy.”
“AD, said Carmel Cacopardo, welcomes the budget proposals which encourage the regeneration of dilapidated buildings through fiscal incentives. This measure is long overdue and will undoubtedly be of help in the regeneration of village cores and protected buildings. However, the budget once again ignored the ever increasing stock of vacant property quantified at 54,000 in the 2005 census and substantially higher today. This glut of vacant property has accumulated as a result of the irresponsible land use planning policies espoused by the PN-led government. Reversal of the planning policies which led to this glut together with an adequate mix of incentives and taxation of vacant property is called for.”
Angele Deguara, AD Spokesperson for Social Policy, said, “AD welcomes the Government’s attempt to encourage more parents to join the labour market. Regarding the proposal to extend maternity leave, we were in favour of the EU Commission’s proposal for maternity leave to be extended to 20 weeks, and for 2 week paternity leave, from the beginning. We hope that the talks with the other social partners will be fruitful in order for this initiative to be implemented, even if it is for less than 20 weeks. We also welcome the opening of more childcare centres. However, unless these are affordable they will not be utilized by lower income earners.”
“As regards the cost of living, AD welcomes the various measures which aim to compensate different groups, yet we are disappointed that Government did not have the courage to increase the minimum wage, despite the hardships faced by low income earners. If such a measure is coupled with increase in productivity, it would not be inflationary. We also note that the much needed reform in the COLA methodology has been postponed.”