Alternattiva Demokratika – The Green Party has expressed its support to the eleven trade unions on the utility bills issue.

Michael Briguglio, spokesperson for Social and Economic Development, said, “The historic alliance made up of eleven trade unions should not be dismissed by Government, especially when such unions are speaking up for workers and families who are facing increased difficulties due to the utility bills increases. Alternattiva Demokratika reiterates that Government should commission proper scientific studies before deciding on the cost of utility bills, whereby wasteful practices, and not basic consumption should be penalised. Such studies should be wide-ranging in their analysis of consumption trends of families, households and different types of companies, rather than being merely an accounting exercise.”

Prof. Arnold Cassola, AD Chaiperson, added, “AD does not agree that people should pay for inefficiencies at Enemalta. A wide-ranging public consultation on the different energy alternatives should start as soon as possible with an emphsis of clean and alternative energy sources. Malta can become a centre for research and development of clean energy and energy efficient systems. We propose that all social actors and civil society get together to discuss a ‘Green New Deal’ – to create a sustainable, healthy and socially just society and create an economy based on green jobs.”

On a European Union wide scale, all member parties of the European Green Parties, including Alternattiva Demokratika, in view of the current political scenario, with the pressing financial, food and energy crises are proposing a social vision which ties together the environment and the economy, proposes the creation of ‘green-collar jobs,’ and insisting in EU countries and in the European Parliament that the EU offers its citizens ‘A Green New Deal.’

This Deal involves the EU taking the lead in the regulation of financial markets, and investing in energy efficiency and renewables. This should not be seen just as investment in the energy sector, because investment in one sector will have ripple effects in others, which will ultimately benefit society as a whole. We can create millions of new jobs. The Greens are aiming for five million jobs in the next five years.

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