Proposals and strategic plans for Budget 2012

Budget 2012 should give specific importance to social and environmental justice in order to improve the quality of life of Maltese families. It should also include clear policies towards green energy.

On the other hand, Żminijietna – Voice of the Left is concerned that the government’s strategy to reduce the deficit and public expenditure will be along the same lines as that of increasing energy tariffs and selling public land and entities.

We suggest that the government stops promoting precarious employment through public contracts and instead introduces new regulations to combat this form of modern slavery and give tax incentives for the creation of green jobs.

Żminijietna believes that emphasis should also be placed on an increase in the national minimum wage which encompasses full-time employees, part-timers and those on a definite contract. The “tax exempt” benchmark for those on low income should increase.

Housing is an important sector that should be addressed due to the high prices, high interest rates and limited land resources. The government should reintroduce subsidies for first-time buyers and increase public investment in social housing. We appeal for a progressive tax on vacant property, from the third property onwards, and fiscal penalties on property left in a state of abandonment.

Żminijietna proposes that people suffering from myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME) and fibromyalgia (FM) are entitled to the same rights and benefits as enjoyed by those with disabilities. The government should also review its position and reopen the dentistry service in local clinics and invest in a chemotherapy service in Gozo.

It should also address the problem of lack of medicines, long waiting lists and the ongoing deterioration of the primary public health care system.

The national strategy for more women to enter the labour market needs to be taken seriously by the government, which should increase investment in affordable childcare facilities, support the EU maternity leave directive and introduce clear policies towards work-life balance, which will include the private sector.

From the fiscal point of view and given the fact that public debt seems to be unsustainable, the government ought to intensify the battle against tax evasion and ensure a proper and efficient eco-tax system. Increasing wind fall taxes on the financial institutions, gaming industry and banking sector should also be considered. These should help offset the increase in social expenditure and public debt. The economy is there to serve the people and not vice versa.

Żminijietna appeals to the government to maintain a free compulsory educational system. The introduction of an additional, optional subject to be taught at secondary school level, under the auspices of B-TEC, should be free and accessible to all. We call on the government to protect this right.