The gradual weaning off social services to unemployed finding productive work or training was positive and the additional financial aid to parents with young children who worked commendable, Alternattiva Demokratika said.

It said in an initial reaction to the Budget that the increase in payments for maternity leave, in particular to self-employed mothers, was a good step forward.

“We, however, look forward to the minimum wage threshold being increased,” it said. It added that measures against precarious work and to alleviate poverty were also commendable.

AD also commended the need for importers of electric and electronic equipment to carry financial responsibility for recovery of waste twice - under the Eco-Contribution Act and under the WEEE Directive.

It said that the duty of employers to employ a percentage of persons with a disability had been there since the late 1960s and AD looked forward to its proper and true enforcement.

The tax incentive to business companies that donated more than €2000 to the Community Chest fund was positive but unfair as it was limited to business people.

AD also commended the 15 per cent rebate to those investing in private pensions but said this was only meant for those who could afford such pensions.
“The government should have concentrated on second pillar pensions, which are shared by the government, the employer and the employee.”

It said that the ridiculous 58c cost of living increase did not reflect the real increase in the cost of living, which had been statistically distorted by the 25 per cent drop in energy tariffs.

AD welcomed the increase in direct taxation on potentially harmful products like cigarettes and spirits, is a good measure.

It asked what was happening at the new Delimara power station saying it was unacceptable that Malta would be buying energy at twice the present market price.

As for public transport, the public had to be informed of the terms of the agreement with Autobuses de Leon, AD said.

AD said that although the small financial incentive for bicycles and pedelecs was a good start investment in infrastructure was needed to make roads safe for these alternative means of transport.