AD challenges PM over rent law proposals

Alternattiva Demokratika chairman Harry Vassallo challenged Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi to include rent law proposals made by AD in the next Budget.

Dr Vassallo said that during a television interview recently, Dr Gonzi was asked about his intentions on the promised rent law reform, to which he replied that he would very soon write to the Opposition to present his proposals.

"We believe that, once again, the Prime Minister is bluffing," Dr Vassallo charged. "People who have not received any justice can no longer be treated with such deception and disrespect. Over the last two years, several promises were made by Minister Dolores Cristina that a White Paper on rent reform has been finalised. She has, on several occasions, promised that this White Paper will be presented to Cabinet.

"But the Nationalist government continues to dodge this issue, while Labour does not have the courage to propose a solution to a problem that has dealt severe injustice to thousands of families over more than 60 years."

Dr Vassallo said AD proposed that, in the absence of any reform in the rent laws, the government should compensate property owners for being cheated out of a fair return on their property.

"Specifically we proposed that from 2008, Government should pay property owners one-third of the fair rental value of the properties. In the absence of any reform in the law, this amount should increase to two-thirds of the fair rent value in 2009, and full compensation in 2010," Dr Vassallo said, adding: "Labour should show some political maturity and support this proposal."