Greens say budget lacks focus

Arnold Cassola

Alternattiva Demokatika has questioned the foundations of Budget 2014, saying it was unclear whether the projections for taxation revenues in 2014 were too optimistic.

AD chairperson Arnold Cassola said that since projections in June for VAT and income tax revenues were lower than estimated, it was unclear whether revenues in 2014 would make up for any eventual shortfall.

Cassola also called on finance minister to publish the Auditor General's report on the verification of budgetary projections.

Cassola said AD saw the opening of childcare centres, the concept of 'making work pay' and the proposals for youth guarantees and apprenticeships as positive.

But he said the budget overall lacked a clear focus and that much of the speech had spared details on the proposals, even concrete proposals.

"In some areas there is no clear direction. An example is where authorities and government commissions are involved, where instead of simplifying the government is complicating matters. In a small country, instead of consolidating its authorities, the government is spreading out its resources with new government organisations. An example was the creation of a national authority for aviation, which will once again be severed from Transport Malta," Cassola said.

Another contradiction was that the protection of the coastline had earned a mention in the budget whilst the government appeared intent on protecting the land squatting of the Armier boathouse owners. "The government mentions the monitoring of air quality but at the same time it will increase the traffic to Valletta and reduce the payment on car registration."

Cassola said that any measures that would increase traffic to Valletta were a sure sign that the government was intent on not providing a proper public transport system. "There is no mention to encourage alternative transport, or ideas how to improve the public transport system."

Cassola also said that while taxes for those who earn the most will be cut, persons with a disability who earn a miserable pension of less than half the minimum wage had been ignored. "At the same time, the minimum wage will stay the same, when entire families live in poverty."

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nirringrazzja li n'teligenza tal poplu kollu jaf jazel l-ahjar u bek li lilek hallik l-art fid 9 ta Marzu li ghada!

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who on earth gives a penny to what you say MR bla bla bla. Give us a break Cassola please!!

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Kieku jitla l-Green Party immutu kollha bil-guh ghax dawn huma intrinsikamnet kontra l-business u kontra min ihaddem in-nies! Kieku kulhadd imur lecturer l-universita u joqghod jghid il-praspar! Sfortunatament il-Green Party baqa marbut ma l-'embilikal kord' ta l-infanzja politika, ta dan il-Partit li qatt ma twieled. Anke l-Partit Germaniz tal-Greens huwa aktar pro business mill -grup zghir ta Cassola! Skuzani imma bhal 'greeny' li kont ukoll fil-business, Cassola and Co qatlu kull holma ta dawk bhali li l-Green movemnet setgha jittiehed bis-serjeta! You have sapped the marrow from the bone: lost all politcal credibility!

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I think Prof Cassola should read the budget properly.I thin he was a failer the first time as a leader of his party and again he will be a looser. Please I think you should join the Pn because every time you talk you show your real co lour.

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Mhux ghal xi haga Arnold, kif ma tisthix int gradwat fit-taljan u l-Malti, tmeri lill- professur ta l-ekonomija! Ma tahsibx li daqsxejn zatat? Notwithstanding, xorta persuna onesta u govjali.

Greens say budget lacks focus

Positive measures dampened by contradictions and lack of clear focus, says AD chairperson Arnold Cassola