PM worried by rising cost of living

Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi this morning admitted that the cost of living in Malta was increasing at a higher rate than in other countries.

Speaking during a news conference, he promised to investigate why tourism related expenses such as restaurant and hotels prices were rising.

The Prime Minister said that the recently approved 22 percent cut on electricity rates, backdated to April 1, would have an effect on reducing the cost of living.

Dr Gonzi referred to the industrial action being taken by doctors on Monday that will close half the island’s health centres and said this would only increase pressure on Mater Dei.

Doctors, he said, had not accepted the alternatives offered by the government.

On the investigation carried out by the auditor general regarding direct orders he had given for the Mater Dei car park and security, the Prime Minister said these were justified and he would give out such orders again in the same situation.

He said that he had given the direct order for the car park before the offer had been too expensive and that for security because the country could not afford to wait another six months for the tender procedures to be carried out.

See also: http://www.timesofmalta.com/mepelections/view/20090516/news/pn-launches-manifesto-for-ep-elections