Alex Borg Suggests Tourism Eco-Tax Should Only Apply Between May & October

The Partit Nazzjonalista has called for the increase in the tourism contribution announced in the Budget to apply only during the peak tourism season, arguing that businesses should not face additional costs throughout the entire year.

Speaking at a political event at the Office of the Leader of the Opposition in Valletta, PN Leader Alex Borg said that tourism should make a fair contribution towards Malta’s infrastructure and environment. However, he argued that the higher contribution should only be introduced between May and October, when tourism activity is at its highest.

Borg said that during the remaining six months of the year, many tourism businesses are forced to reduce prices in order to remain competitive and should not be burdened with additional costs imposed by the Government. He claimed that the measure, along with changes concerning foreign workers, had been introduced without a clear plan or explanation of the Government’s objectives.

The PN Leader said businesses would ultimately pass these additional costs on to consumers, arguing that the public would end up paying for what he described as the Government’s mistakes. He criticised the Budget as being short-sighted and lacking a vision to strengthen businesses, families and workers.

Shadow Minister for Justice, Research and Innovation Joe Giglio said the Budget would be remembered for the issues it failed to address, including traffic, infrastructure, housing difficulties for young people, challenges in hospitals and schools, and justice. He argued that Malta needs policies focused on improving productivity and developing new economic sectors without increasing pressure on the country or treating workers as disposable.

Shadow Minister for Older Persons Paula Mifsud Bonnici said the PN welcomes measures that support older people, but claimed the Budget failed to deliver on Labour’s previous promises, including what she described as the commitment of a €50 weekly pension increase.

She also argued that measures concerning foreign workers could affect services used by older people and said the Budget had once again failed to address care homes for the elderly.

#MaltaDaily