Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi said yesterday that once re-elected, his government would abolish the controversial €23.29 departure tax.
Dr Gonzi said that after investing in the introduction of low cost airlines, making travelling cheaper, and reducing the tax by half, his government will abolish the tax completely.
Speaking at a Nationalist Party activity in Tarxien last night, Dr Gonzi once again apologised for his government's shortcoming but praised everyone for their contribution to the country's success. "We are only humans after all but, at the end of the day, we are going to the people with confidence because we are returning a better, nicer and stronger Malta," he said, to the applause of party supporters chanting "Gonzi, Gonzi".
During the event, Dr Gonzi was interviewed by Pablo Micallef, the presenter of the popular television programme Deal or No Deal. The event started off on a light note with Dr Gonzi accepting the deal to keep his replies short and straight to the point.
Speaking about the package of fiscal measures announced on Tuesday, Dr Gonzi said such measures were sustainable because they would automatically stimulate the economy and lead to economic growth.
He said the health system will remain free of charge and Dr Gonzi mentioned the pharmacy of your choice scheme as one which has been welcomed by one and all. The government was planning to strengthen the family doctor service by introducing electronic identity cards through which the doctors, from their clinics, would be able to access the patient's medical history.
With reference to the SmartCity project, Dr Gonzi said this will continue to combat the digital divide. He said about 3,600 IT jobs will be created and a further 2,000 more jobs will cover other aspects of this IT village, not necessarily related to IT.
Dr Gonzi said he and the Nationalist Party wanted to make a deal with students and youths: to continue their studies. This would guarantee a good future. In this regard, he said, the government will be investing over €116 million in the development of a new campus for the Malta College of Arts, Science and Technology.
Asked about why he chose March 8 as election day, Dr Gonzi said this date is of symbolic importance to Malta because it was the day when Malta said yes to Europe and which set the ball rolling for the country's string of successes.