The Nationalist Party said that having published its electoral manifesto on the 8th January, 2013, it is now set to approve and publish its electoral programme.
Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi this morning gave a preview of the electoral programme which is expected to be approved later on tomorrow during a meeting of the PN General Council.
The Nationalist Party said that it has already launched its Electoral Manifesto, which focused on the vision and principles that will continue to guide the party in the future. “The electoral programme will now delve deeper into that and list the policies, initiatives and actions for the next five years, giving a clear roadmap.”
The PN reiterated that “its main objective is a safe and secure future for a better quality of life,” the Party said that this can be achieved by:
Work
In a sustainable way, the PN said it “will continue to reduce income tax with a readjustment of the tax bands. Workers under the age of 25, women and the long term unemployed will be encouraged to start new businesses, and their tax will be exempt for the first 2 years (3 years in the case of women), and they will also benefit from NI credits. New tailor made incentives will also be created for new businesses in Gozo.”
Children
“More childcare centres and more incentives to open such centres, together with a voucher for childcare centres for full time, part time and studying parents. A parent will also be able to make use of their sick leave if their child is sick at home.”
Health
“An improvement in health centres and community services, new rehabilitation facilities and more medicines in the free medicine scheme. A PN Government will continue its ongoing battle to fight cancer and also focus more on diabetes.”
Education
The PN said that it is committed to the opening of a new school every year. “Stipends will be linked to the cost of living and a computer tablet will be given to each primary and secondary school child.”
Energy
“Night tariffs will be introduced, and this will result in a saving between 7% to 26% on electricity tariffs. The interconnector will be commissioned in March contributing to 70% of Malta’s energy and greatly reducing emissions. More subsidies on PV panels, a generous feed-in tariff and participation in solar farms.”
“The electoral manifesto “identifies and describes the values, principles and aspirations which guide our Party’s politics and policies.
“In turn, our electoral programme will enumerate our electoral proposals and pledges which will be implemented over the next five years should the Nationalist Party be returned to government,” The PN concluded.
The Nationalist Party’s General Council is to be convened tomorrow2013, at 6pm at Party Headquarters to consider and approve the electoral programme.