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By James Debono
During yesterday’s edition of TV programme Int X’Tahseb? screened on Smash TV, MLP Deputy Leader excluded that the MLP will be proposing a tax on additional properties.
When asked to comment on the proposal to introduce a tax on second properties, found in the MLP’s economic and social regeneration plan, MLP Deputy Leader Charles Mangion insisted that the party’s policy is that taxation should not be increased as this is eroding the people’s purchasing power and the country’s competitivity.
This is a clear indication that this controversial proposal proposed by the panel of experts who prepared the MLP’s document would not see the light of day in the party’s economic policy, which will be approved later on this year.
On the issue of property the MLP’s discussion document says government should ensure that the property market functions correctly and without speculation. “To control excessive demand, a tax on additional properties should be introduced,” the report suggests. It does not explain what “additional properties” means.
During the same programme Saviour Balzan asked Dr Mangion whether a reform in the country’s rent laws in on the MLP’s agenda. Charles Mangion while recognising the “injustice” created by 1939 rent laws on land owners insisted that a “balance” has to be struck between the interests of owners and the interests of tenants, most of whom according to Mangion would not afford commercial rents.
Mangion argued against a tactless solution to this problem. This is an indication that the MLP will keep on procrastinating on this issue.
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