Alternattiva Demokratika said yesterday it was the only party which could eradicate the scandal of the old controlled rents, since the two main political parties had skirted the issue.

Party leader Harry Vassallo said AD was the only party contesting the election that was speaking clearly on this subject, and which wanted to put a stop to tenants passing on property to descendants.

He pointed out that while the Nationalist Party and Labour Party had passed numerous laws, and even agreed to change the Constitution three times over the past 20 years, they had never eliminated the words from the law that put an end to the inheritance of rented properties.

Speaking at a press conference yesterday, following a walk-about in Sliema, he said it was unfair that a few property owners were being forced to shoulder the burden of social housing, when this was the Government's duty.

While it was important to protect those living in such residences, the Government of a civilised country should stop providing protection to those who could easily afford to buy their own property, Dr Vassallo said.

"No government should have the cheek to impose a loss of income on a few families who have the misfortune of being the owners of property which has a controlled rent," he insisted.

Dr Vassallo criticised the PN for putting forward the "insolent proposal" to reduce tax on controlled rents.

"What kind of offer is this when somebody is forced to accept an annual rent of €40 (Lm17.17)? Does this mean the proprietor will save €0.50 (Lm0.21) in a year, when he is deprived of his property that costs thousands?" Dr Vassallo asked.

The MLP was also criticised for remaining silent on this issue, a clear sign that there would be no just reform in the rental laws.

"This issue of old controlled rents can only be raised if AD forms part of a new coalition government," he said. At the walkabout, Dr Vassallo again stressed that if AD formed part of a coalition government it would remain committed to a policy of progressive reduction in tax rates, as Government revenues increased.

Dr Vassallo visited retail outlets along the Sliema Ferries, explaining AD's coalition priorities and promising to reduce bureaucracy for small enterprises.