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MLP officially reacts to Budget 2008
By MaltaMedia News
Oct 22, 2007 - 9:02:49 PM
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The Leader of the Opposition gave his Budget right of reply on Monday evening. Insisting that the budget gives too little too late, Dr Alfred Sant that the government does not have any new ideas and is afraid of the general election.
On the other hand Dr Sant went into some detail into the several initiatives a new Labour government will take after the imminent general elections. At the same time he promised a smooth and 'tranquil' passage of power after the democratic elections.
Speaking about the economy, the Malta Labour Party (MLP) leader said that many did not experience the improvement in economy mentioned by Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi last week. The major contributors to economic growth are the financial services and online gambling sectors. These however do not guarantee benefits to the average Maltese person.
Budget 2008 did not propose a substantial growth in employment. On the other hand, the Labour plan embraces aims for opportunities and jobs which are 'worth it'. Dr Sant said that the lowest rate of full-time employment occurred during 2004 and 2007 where full-time employment increased only by 2,435. Meanwhile, European statistics reveal that Maltese workers have the lowest income.
With regards to the manufacturing sector, Dr Sant said that budget 2008 prospects for the field are bleak. The MLP will be forming a taskforce which will, among other aims, help to increase full-time workers within the manufacturing industry by 1,000 workers.
A Labour government will take care of the Cospicua Shipyards as well as the private shipyards at the Grand Harbour. The MLP will also modernize Enemalta and opt for alternative sources of energy.
Speaking about SmartCity, Dr Sant stated that a Labour government will ensure the necessary training within the information technology sector. Full support to Maltese and international creditors who want to invest within this industry, will also be given.
The Opposition leader said that all those working within the tourism sector will have more work and more income. The Nationalist Party had promised to increase tourists to the island by 50,000 persons but statistics show that in reality, fewer tourists have made it to our shores. The MLP aims for Lm620 million in income from the tourism sector. "Who dares, wins" is the slogan the Labour Party will be adopting, Dr Sant said.
Dr Sant also mentioned his party's proposal for two golf courses projects in Malta and Gozo, and a plan for the south of Malta, St Paul's Bay, and Grand Harbour etc.
Speaking about Gozo, a Labour government will give incentives to Gozitan farmers and set up the helicopter service again, among other measures.
While the adoption of the Euro is a closed case, Dr Sant said government finances are not as positive as projected by the PM. The number of taxes, tariffs etc have increased and have burdened the general public, enterprises and others while the rate of employment is one of the least amongst member states.
The MLP is aiming to increase economic growth by 4 to 6%.
The Prime Minister Gonzi has copied proposals from the Labour Party Pjan ghall-Bidu Gdid, Dr Sant claimed, such as the 14 week paid maternity leave; sports organizations to be exempted from VAT; no VAT on cultural activities, the arts and others; scholarship funds; identification of sites for animal shelters and breast screening awareness.
Speaking on families and children, Dr Sant promised full children's' allowance as they were before the Nationalist government made cuts in 1995.
Dr Sant said that he does not agree with PM saying that little can be done to control prices. He called for the need of a regulatory mechanism and an agency to publish report every six months on abuse which hinders quality of life. Prices will increase once the Euro is adopted, Dr Sant said.
The nation wants change, Dr Sant insisted.
At the end of his speech, the Opposition emphasised that following a favourable election, the handover of the government to the MLP will be a smooth and 'tranquil' affair.
MaltaMedia's special news feature
about the Malta Government's Budget for 2008 brings you all the salient
points and details, including the full text and audio of the Budget
Speech.
© Copyright 2007 by MaltaMedia.com
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Latest update:
Oct 24, 2007 - 3:19:58 PM CET
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