Energy costs should be above partisan politics - Muscat

Labour leader Joseph Muscat has written to the social partners inviting them to come forward with suggestions on how Malta can face up to the issues of high energy costs.

Dr Muscat said the MLP viewed the issue as being one of national importance in view of its impact on living standards and competitiveness, and it should therefore be above partisan politics.

He regretted that the government had gone ahead with raising the surcharge to 95 percent without consulting anyone, saying that the MLP disagreed with this style of government. The government should have carried out broad consultation, especially with the social partners, since it was clear that the surcharge decision would have a major social and economic impact.

Dr Muscat said the increase in the surcharge and the planned revision of the power tariffs would affect living standards and the purchasing power of all levels of society at a time when conditions were already difficult.

Such developments would ripple across the economy since reduced purchasing power meant reduced business.

Dr Muscat said the MLP would be preparing and explaining its position in the future and he was therefore interested in receiving and discussing proposals and suggestions on how the country could face the challenges ahead.