Monday, 3rd November 2008 - 21:04CET
The budget at a glance - incentives and taxes to protect the environment
Finance Minister Tonio Fenech on the way to Parliament to present his Budget speech. At left is Parliamentary Secretary Jason Azzopardi.
The government this evening announced a range of incentives to create jobs and safeguard the environment.
It also launched a new Vehicle Registration Scheme which will see registration fees falling for small and medium sized cars and rising for the bigger ones.
Higher licences fees, dearer fuel
Vehicle licence fees will rise for older cars and there is also a price increase at the petrol pumps, with duties on petrol and diesel rising by 3c5 and 2c per litre respectively. The increase in vehicle licences is aimed at reducing the average age of cars in Malta.
Income tax cuts, tax breaks for mothers
The budget, presented for the first time by Finance Minister Tonio Fenech, includes income tax cuts totalling €12 million, a €4 weekly wage increase to cover the cost of living, and a number of incentives for businesses aimed at encouraging employment and investment in energy saving measures and research.
The tax breaks given to women who return to work after five years have been extended, and there is also a new tax break of one year for all women who gave birth since 2007 and have returned to work, a saving of up to €1,600 each.
Those on a services pension will see an increase of €200 in their incomes.
SMEs in towns and villages that invest a minimum of €10,000 are being given a tax credit for two years in a move aimed at promoting business in the localities.
Incentives for energy saving
Measures to help the environment also include vouches for five energy saving lamps for all households, but a tax is being imposed on traditional bulbs and neon tubes in an effort to discourage their use. An energy performance certificate will become a requirement for development permits.
There will be cash grants of up to two-thirds of the cost of the installation of domestic solar heaters for up to 4,500 households. Some 200 families will be given up to 50% of the cost of the installation of photovoltaic units. There will also be grants of up to €300 for those who install double glazing or insulate their roofs.
A discount of 15% will be given for those who buy bicycles.
Higher taxes on plastic bags, yacht and swimming pool licences
The eco-tax on plastic bags is to rise to 0.15c per bag and a duty of 0.1c per 80g is to be introduced on magazines,leaflets and other commercial literature having advertising content of more than 50% and distributed through the post , through the newspapers or for free by hand.
There are increases on yacht and swimming pool licences. Plans to privatise the yacht marinas remain on track.
Cigarette prices will rise by 0.20c per packet.
More to be spent on tourism, roads
The budget features a boost in the financial allocation for tourism for a total of €28m. However as from January 2010 there will be a new tax of 0.50c per night per tourist.
The tax free threshold to host families is being raised to €3,500.
€29 million are being directed towards the road-building programme and there is also more investment on school-building.
The budget also features plans for the creation of a Bio Technology Park at San Gwann, a new law to regulate SMEs and an infrastructure programme on Information technology while will see fibre cables extended to households.
Long-term unemployed to do community work
In other measures, the unemployed who have been registering for work for more than five years will be required to work a minimum of 30 hours per week in the community and they will be paid 75% of the minimum wage.
Drinking age to be raised, duties reviewed
Duties charged on the importation of alcoholic drinks are to be adjusted to stop the price disparity with Sicily which has seen some people prefer to go to Sicily to stock up. As a result, most prices will drop, although some will rise.
The minimum age for drinking is to be raised from 16 to 17.
Balanced budget target postponed
The review of the economy shows that the deficit has risen to €200 million (3.5% of GDP) from a projection of €68 million (1.19% of GDP). The projection for next year is a deficit of €98.8m, which would be 1.85% of GDP. Mr Fenech said revenue targets had been reached but expenditure was higher than projected owing to increase outlay on the dockyard and Enemalta. Plans for a balanced budget have been postponed by a year to 2011.
Economic growth reached 3% this year and is expected to slow to 2% next year. Inflation is expected to be stable.
The budget includes provision for the building of two child care centres, night shelters for the elderly and facilitators in private schools. It also provides the first funds for an extension of the Mcast complex and for a study into the reintroduction of the tram.
See details in the individual stories in this section.
The full text of the budget (in Maltese) can be found here.
RSS
Comments
The Hon.Minister is concerned at the health of the Maltese citizens. Good
The vehicle licences increased according to the pollution they create. Technically Good.
But what about the MAJOR POLLUTERS ON OUR ROADS ??? BUSES , TRUCKS , LOW LOADERS ?????
Perhaps the Hon.Minister is too scared of addressing these also ???? or he may not be too concerned about the people's health after all ????
Anybody, please tell me I have a mistake about my logic ? I hope so honestly.
Work scheme you done, yes that is WHY GOD Will , I will vote P.N again, because You did not treat the unemployed like criminals as some people do. Thank You again.
I drive a motorbike everyday and it is not as bad as you think although its dangerous'
Malta should be a motorbike island Parking problems will be solved... BUT the roads are a disaster and now a genie told the ADT to paint a lot of speed limits, signs etc on the road.... These are causing accidents as the paint used is not adequate...
What are we waiting for to stop inventing jokes on our roads????
1-----Higher car licences based on CO2 levels??? As far as I've read licences will go up according to the age of the car!! So what is the initiative in buying an environmentally friendly car if licences will go up anyway???
2------Higher car licences start in January and yet we have to wait till 2010 for a better Public transport!!!!!!!!!
3------W&E bills go up and yet only 4,500 will benefit from Solar power initiatives....what about those who live in an apartment??? Do we have the right to install one?? Or shall we keep using tumble driers??
4-------Petrol and diesel go up while prices of Oil plummet!!!!!!!
As I've said there are many good initiatives in the budget and as I've said these where all overshadowed by the astronomic increase of the water tariffs which were introduced using Sant's principle of Politika tal-Calculator!!!
If I wanted Calculator Politics I would have easily voted Sant as PM but I voted PN and guess what?? I still got calculator Politics!!!!!!
Ara ma joqghodux jibku il-Pieta la jiehdu tkaxkira f'Gunju!! Ara ma jghidux li ma jafux ghalfejn ukoll!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Is this the Times reporting incorrectly or is this actually true ?
Assuming it is, why on earth would one want to limit the use of fluorescent tubes? Was there anyone with at least some knowledge about these things among those who decided this?
If there was they would have found out that 'neon tubes' (as we tend to call them), even ones from twenty years ago are actually slightly more energy efficient than compact fluorescent lamps (what we usually refer to as the energy saving lamps)
The only lamps (available to the consumer) that are more efficient than ordinary 'neon tubes' are some of the more recent LED lamps, but they are still far too expensive to be widely used.
Another idea would be to invest in donkey carts. I see it as a good opportunity to adopt a bi-partisan initiative: Government would provide the carts and the Opposition make available the donkeys. It's not as if they don't have plenty of those, after all.
Thx: Joe & Janice
Tony, first of all I have just attended the Hong Kong International Lighting Fair and the Expo Asian Environment Protection Fair. My business is energy saving, waste management and environmental conversation, to date from project I have undertaken, our country is reducing around 12,600 Metric Tons CO2 per year and grow with each project, but enough about what I do.
The Government is not taxing neon tubes for the mercury but cause they are not energy saving and that’s why I doing not agree, as if so, I should know about it, as 4 years ago we already offered a solution for recycling it effectively.
As for last few word energy saving better option, please define?
Yes, I agree with all that mercury is a hazardous and every energy saving lamp (Ex. LED ) as Janice pointed out should be aware of it, as it is the only liquid metal and has a low boiling point ( meaning it will turn to gas at low temp.), it also can not be deluded with water and please wear rubber gloves when handing it, please do look up web site.
Sorry ran out words
@Many:what would be the situation today if MLP had won the March-elections? Would it have reduced the price of oil to $16 a barrel? Or may be it would have closed down the Marsa-Power-Station? Well, it did practically close it down way back in the 80's if one tries to jog the memory a bit. It is so easy to blame the doer. Those who do nothing cannot be blamed of anything, do they? Many have been criticising the PN gov for many things along the years: MXlokk PS, VAT, EU, Euro, ,whatever, but time has always shown that more or less, the PN Govs have steered the Island to where it should be, warts and all. The situation today was precipitated by international conditions not foreseen by any financial gurus, let alone we lesser mortals. If MLP had won we would still be out of the Euro-zone with all the consequences that the global crunch would have had on us and the Maltese Lira. And if MLP had its way we would even be out of EU. What Then? ICELAND?
"I suggest that you follow the UK and international media and look at the whole picture not just one area."
OK let's take the UK instead of the US now.
I just got a magazine in the mail advertising the Daihatsu Sirion 1.0L @ €11,850.
In the UK the same car brand new costs £7,318 with first road licence paid.
That's €9,072.
(Source - http://www.autoebid.com/carDetails.asp?locator=30467)
So for a very small car you will spend €2,778 more in Malta than in the UK.
Now for the licences:
Having 118g/km emissions the Maltese owner will pay €110.
In the UK the same car will pay £35.00 i.e. €43.44. (Source - http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Motoring/OwningAVehicle/HowToTaxYourVehicle/DG_10012524)
As a result, one of the smallest cars in Malta will cost you €2,778 more when you purchase it new, and €66.56 more every year than the same new car in the UK.
The UK Budget:
"As an incentive for the development and purchase of cleaner vehicles, a LOWER tax rate will be introduced on 1 January 2009. This concession, referred to as ‘Euro 5’, is for vans that run on diesel and meet the European build standard....."
http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Motoring/OwningAVehicle/HowToTaxYourVehicle/DG_172409
Now THAT's what I call incentive!
I quote " The message from the budget is clear: IF YOU WANT TO SAVE ON ENERGY THEN YOU HAVE TO CONVERT TO ALTERNATIVE SOURCES. "
Somethings could be done like energy saving bulbs and you could save money.
But on the rest like Solar heaters / photovoltaic panels / wind turbines could everyone do them. All house owners with access to the roof or garden could if they have the money, but what about flat owners when 80% of the flats in Malta they don't have roof access and there are many reasons why they don't what could they do, even the ground floor maisonettes forming part of a block of flats have the same problem. So on your comment I have the feeling that you and the budget are telling most of the people to change their cars and now even their homes.
If one have to start they should start with the MEPA no permits if there is no space for such things.
The 3000euro rebat, are they aplicable also who installs Wind vertical turbines, like the one in the link ? http://www.alibaba.com/catalog/101475515/Vertical_Wind_Turbine_Helix_Turbine.html
just an example , cause they only takes 1m square, and normally we have 200-250 days out of 365 with wind ! The solar panels (photovoltage) takes lot of space and need direct sunlight , not UV . Can I install a wind turnine and take the rebate???
In the budget speech there is nothing? Or have I missed it?
I want to know because since these are back-dated from 1st October I already have to pay more than a month's utility bills at these new rates now.
I don't want to keep using the utilities and being left at the dark on how much they cost me! And it certainly isn't an option to go without water and electricity until we know the exact rates...
The EU has imposed strict emissions targets and our country is way off. The government is helping us to make this change by countless schemes for solar water heater, photovoltaeic panels, wind turbines, double glazing and energy saving lights.
Whoever does not wish to benefit from these schemes has got no one to blame except oneself. The future is clear and everyone agrees on it. The useage of fuel, whether its power stations, factories or cars, has got to stop because the ozone is being seriously damaged. We are living the results of the damage right now. High temperatures in November is definetely a bad sign. Furthermore, most fuel resources will dry up within the next 3 decades. Change is inevitable.
Maltese traditionally resist change. However resisting change on this issue is not an option. We have to go through this transition and by hook or by crook we have to be pushed there.
Those like Amanda mallia, Maria mallia, Morana & co. who are forced to swallow their own poison, enjoy paying heftier bills, higher prices on everything and enjoy the Maltese economy to crumble. But what can one expect from the die hards Nazzjonalisti, in 1998 at Luxol grounds, during a mass meeting, Eddie boasted that no oil is to be found in malta, and the naghag ta Bendu, all cheered up together to this shocking news. Amazing!!
The only solution we have is to emigrate.
Energy saving lamps, fluorescent ones, emit mercury and are as dangerous to dispose of as neons.. Filament light bulbs are the most safe to this regard.
P Schembri is right, check your facts.
Also not to forget that fluorescent lights are more prone to wear and tear when used in corridors and staircases where light is switched on and off frequently. people should keep using filament bulbs there... the government is being shoddy as usual as it is not informing the public properly..
I am disgusted with the way you imposed the budget. More expenses to those who cannot afford to change their vehicle every 5 years.
I bet my bottom Euro that you are one of those who were told to write " I voted PN but I will vote Joseph next time".
Not that I am happy with the situation we are in , but one thing's for sure , we just have to catch a cold when America sneezes. Right now America has severe pneumonia.
I agree with the community work for the long term unemployed. It's about time!! Welldone!! Goodbye to the LAZY and ABUSERS !!!!!
Welldone!
H.L.Mencken,1956
Elections are won by men and women chiefly because most people vote against somebody rather than for somebody.
Franklin Pierce Adams
The reason there is a breakdown in family values is that there is no parent at home. The reason there is no parent at home is that one parent works to support the family and the other to support the government.
Representative from Family Research Council, CNN & COMPANY
The low energy light bulbs also contain mercury. Safe measure for recycling these will need to be introduced. Also great care needs to be taken if any of these bulbs are broken within the home. Measures to be taken when clearing up these bulbs can be found in an informative article on http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/7172662. Please read as the dangers are not being made known on the packaging.
MALTA OPEN YOUR EYES.
US have their own oil. Hoewever even the UK have some but UK price for petrol is between 99.9p or equivalent €1.23 (http://www.whatprice.co.uk/petrol-prices/recent-petrol-prices.html) the same as us.
Yes their minimum wages are more than ours however so are their mortgages, transport, health care fees and pub prices. I'm also sure you don't won't even want to see their utility tariffs. Many homes could not afford to heat their houses last winter. I suggest that you follow the UK and international media and look at the whole picture not just one area.
Neon tubes contain Mercury. Thus making them hard to recycle. Mercury stops growth and is deadly to the enviroment. Hence the reason why its being taxed. The energy saver is the better option.
Prosit Finance Minister and friends. I suggest you now put up more road blocks on the weekend and screen drivers for excess. This way you can balance your budget with fines.
How does it go? prevention is better than cure? or does this only applies for cigarettes?
I guess the real reason behind this is for us all to drink more and forget what this administaration has in store for us.
Cheers
My 13 year old nephew predicted this budget some seven weeks ago.
Just goes to show how brains will travel.
They're averaging $2.20 per gallon.
Yes... slightly more than TWO US DOLLARS PER GALLON.
This in the USA.... the country most afflicted by the economic crisis!!
Source - http://www.gasbuddy.com/gb_gastemperaturemap.aspx
In some states it's as low as $1.87 per gallon. That's €1.46 for 3.8 litres.
Meaning that petrol in the USA now costs as low as €0.38 per litre and we're paying how much €1.22? €1.25 per litre?
More than 3x as much, and in the USA they have much higher wages...
LOL - making fun OF ALL MALTA
When I see Mr Gonzi with his tie riding his bike maybe I will think about this!
U HALLUNA!!!
a budjet for the high class people this was!
He promised as from the next budget. As for the world's crisis, its true that this was beyond his control, but is it beyond's the govt control an abysmal loss of more than 200m € from the planned budget?
"God help us, we have another 4 years+ to go."
Don't worry people, come the last year of this legislature we'll be getting a spoonful of sugar to help the medicine go down, to make us 'forget' again, and renew our PN vote...
Now allow me to resume drinking my cheap whisky and lemon tea.... This afternoon I have to ride my bike up t'Alla u Ommu, tri-cycle in tow, to pick up my kid.
Dinking age raised from 16 to 17! What a joke.
Who is the clown who wanted the voting age lowered to 17 years old?
What do 17 year olds know about drinking or the enjoyment of it, least they know about voting?
I don't believe the nerves of some you.
@Alexander Cini you want more????? students are all too papmered. Go get a part time job like students in othere countries.
@Manuel Micallef a subsides brand new car!!! Dream on pal. You have been subsidised up to your eyeballs for far too long. Wake up and smell the coffee.
I am no economist but my poor understanding tells me that in an economic crises there has to be capital injection. Where is the money? Env incentives are not the answer in this hazy period. Yes invest in environment but get a grip of yourself. Right now there are more problems to take care than plastic bags. Speaking of which, because of your beloved EU we have an increase in soft drink plastic bottled. Why not tax that now that we are in the ambience. Environment is not a budget issue, it is a social conscience issue. What this budget needed was serious investment in the people which is failed sourly
The negative on the other hand is not the budget ''per se'' but the W&E bills which are going to set the scene for spokes in the economy's wheels and this does not tally with the governments' words on the importance of jobs and investment!!!
So in my opinion this is NOT a good budget...not because of what Minister T.Fenech announced yesterday but because it is like a relatively ''OK'' play with a horrible, dark background under the name of W&E BILLS!!
This is not political.......the principal behind the introduction of the new bills was very flawed and the govt. will definately pay a bitter price........ the first being the overshadowing of its own budget!!!
with gonzipn (or is it gattpn?) in power 'who wants to live forever'??
HA HA HA. Is this the best you could do for a budget???? God help us, we have another 4 years+ to go. Halting the economy is the best solution for the prvailing situation. Oh by the way thank you for the 5 eco bulbs; they really help to make up for the differnce in the bill or maybe you want to shine the light to blind us and not see what is going to really hit us.
If you honestly want to reduce the carbon footprint why not encourage solar energy for all.
How about starting to collect storm waters, instead of reverse osmosing it (apologies but did not know how to write it in the NEW Maltese fashion).
See you on the bike Mr Minister and collegues.
joe the plummer
Didn't it occur to you that today oil prices went down again?
Didn't it occur to anyone that in the PN Manifesto there is no where written that the tax cuts would be given in the first budget...hence they can be given over a 5 year period.
Didn't it occur to anyone that the Electoral Manifesto was drafted when the situation wasn't as bad as it is now?
I agree it's not the perfect budget but a budget will always effect people differently. Try not to be biased and think with a clear mind and you'll see that although this budget is not that good, we could have had it so much worse!
WILL BE REMOVED ?
a) Incentives on energy saving - e.g. Italy (totally disorganised) offer 60% rebate when you install double glazing, 65% when you add insulation to your property, 60% when you install solar products. They also buy back surplus electricity from photovoltaic units at a rate of 3:1 - (which means that you get 3 times the cost of electricity you buy) Spain, Holland, Belgium all offer similar deals!!!!
Has anyone seen the study on the wind farm??? I wonder if this could be another farce like the 2nd hand equipment that the Gov approved from India for the power station (someone made a killing on this deal - hmmm)
b) Cars - (probably ILLEGAL under EU Law
c) Promised tax cuts - ...... another LIE
d) More spent on roads? - Why not just enforce the Defects Liability on the poor workmanship done in the 1st place. We are already paying for the gov employees who do ‘little’ all day.
Very poor show
My dear, Mintoff did just that in the 70s when he made id-Dirghajn il-Maltin. Are you saying that Mintoff was right after all? Or is it the case of two ways two measures, cos if this measure is taken by the PN it is right but if it was taken by the MLP it was wrong?????
What caused the deficit to rise that much??!! The international crises?
This governement is a champion for excuses. Remember 11th September and Hurricane Katrina?
L-aqwa li tajjeb ghall-ambjent imma he!
They should start by looking at their own fuel guzzlers they are chauffered around in.
I would give up my €4 wage increase just to see Mr.Fenech going to "work" on a bycicle!!
Thank you very much dear green government. Has it occurred to the financial wizards that people who have older cars is because they can't do otherwise and not because they want to?
These people do another job privately, and so collects two wages. What hurts is that they brag about it.
LOOOOLLLLLLLLLLLLLL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The government is there to care of our finances, and I think this budget is the result of the total arrogance and lack of transparency of this government. Who must be accounted for the huge deficit incurred(what a coicidence) during election year? THE PN GOVT.
We were lead to believe by this government that we must do some sacrifice to reap the harvest. WAS OUR SACRIFICE MEANT FOR THE PN TO WIN THE ELECTION?
One last thing , Malta is supposed to receive 850m Euros from the EU, but instead we are making more and more sacrifices.
BYE BYE PN. I love my family so I won't vote again for PN.
however if for example the public transport is not really improved it will then be giving a big bang on the head to the local population particularly the socially-disadvantaged. for example people working in valletta and living say in birkirkara or msida should be encouraged to use the public transport rather than use their own vehicles.
keep up the good work. it is not an easy budget but it will get us there eventually!
2. Rebate on energy saving, good thing in this budget, 10x, but why not leaving it open, to people who would like to install wind turbines. There are new vertical turbines that take few space. To install the solar panel, it takes space for a flat as mine it would be almost impossible.
3. Sorry, but increasing the fuel, when the oil price went down by half. It wasn't nice!!
BLA BLA BLA . min ghajnejkom sal ponta ta mnieherkom !! intom fejn tifmu ??? Kolla ekonomisti nahseb ??
KULLHADD ghandu jattendi ghall protesta li ser tigi organizata nhar il Hadd 9/11/02, Tkunux passivi, insa il Kulur tibqax iblah, la nircievu il Kont Tkunu tafu..... issa fidejkhom,wara toqodux teqirdu , toqodx tejd halli immur haddiehor hemm bzonn li INT TATTEND.......
You pay no water & electricity tarrifs, cause my family do
You pay no petrol and diesel cause I do
I cannot afford to buy a new car, because i am trying to save some money to buy my first property. (but i am not managing to save money.. with all these taxes imposed).. Now it will not be worth to keep my car. And my job is also not safe due to current scenario. can you tell me how can i plan for future please ? thanks
I am not a fanatic of politics, but this budget reminds me of Sant's budgets of 1997. sant made a big mess in 97 and Gonzi made a similar one this year.
As for Environment protection, EVERYONE should be doing their bit including the Gozitans that run around with cars/vans vomiting black fumes. Where are the wardens and the VRT stations
One thing is welcomed by the taxpayers - Community work for long-term unemployed .... long term unemployed indeed! Men and women that are unemployed and have 6 children, drive around in expensive cars, have a boat and allow themselves more than one holiday a year plus the rest... they should be paying the government - not the government pays them.
Is this retro-active, or in five years time starting from now?
Like most things in this budget- very poorly detailed
Post budget-One can afford to buy a car, but probably cannot afford to keep it.
GONZIPN=FLIMKIEN KOLLOX POSSIBBLI GHANKE IT-TBATIJA
Wow simply impressed by a person who is so blindedfolded politically to see only one side of the coin. Yes you are right on the part of the unemployed people......but and a big BUT you forgot to mention all the other stuff.......which is on the other side of the coin.
How can one invest in a new car with the current situation? Also we still want to see what difference in prices and how much one will save with the new tariffs.
In Europe fuel prices go down and OMG in Malta it's the other way round.....no they go up and up and up.
As for plastic bags, i get plastic bags from shops i buy from but they have been changed to biodegradable......so this minister saying that we still use plastic bags is just a joke and a way to introduce another increase in ecotax.
Ah i know why so that we will buy a bicycle and get 15% refund.....what a laugh
@ Amanda Mallia
it's about time community work was introduce.....that has been asked for more than once and if i remember well KMB once was ready to introduce it but hell broke loose. Now because it's a PN government it's OK.
Minister Fenech.in case you have never heard of the expression 'On yer bike',this means get a bike and drive yourself to oblivion. Get the hint?.
Higher license fees for old cars?. Not rich enough to buy a new car and poor enough not to own an old one. What kind of logic is that?
All in all, another Nationalist budget designed to make the rich richer and the poor and middle classes poorer.
We happen to work to be able to buy a new car. If after six years you expect us to change our cars first you have to ensure that we can afford it. We only pay taxes and not collect them as your pathetic and incompetent government does.
still with a great discount of 15% it leaves no option that :
Bicycle bicycle bicycle
I want to ride my bicycle bicycle bicycle
I want to ride my bicycle
I want to ride my bike
I want to ride my bicycle
I want to ride it where I like
The general economic and commercial expert opinion is that for the benefit of all, the required 'medicine' could have been spread out more gracefully. Never there was such a consensus. We are entitled to as much a stable economic life as possible afterall.
The minister says that the present situation does not require just 'pain killers'. Let's hope this is not an overdose.
"How refreshing it will be to see all the lazy bums who habitually register as unemployed without having the slightest inclination to work, having to actually EARN their money, and not have it handed to them for nothing. Well done, Tonio Fenech (and I'm not being sarcastic)."
Very true. I guess you managed to isolate and pick up the only positive point in this budget.
I hope that at least this measure is implemented properly, and we wouldn't have people registering for 4 years 11 months, work for a month or less, and register again...
We are seeing that it has lost control over its projections and now is turning all its incompetence on middle class people .
How refreshing it will be to see all the lazy bums who habitually register as unemployed without having the slightest inclination to work, having to actually EARN their money, and not have it handed to them for nothing. Well done, Tonio Fenech (and I'm not being sarcastic).
Some respects for the classics Tonio before they are totally scrapped off our streets and we will have to end up with these cheap Japanese imports.
I expected a bright girl like you attending university to see things for what they are.
Gonzi played a major role in the elec and water tariffs and the budget. He wandered off to china not to show himself around and give the impression that he is innocent of the hardships he is inflicting on us all. He is the wreckage. these things do not happen or go thru without his approval but others play the part. he is a wolf in sheeps' clothing.
Hope labour party will put up a good team by next elecion because this is the last time I voted for this government.
Thanks
I have a car which has been on the road for 17 years. I am also a student who has a meagre Lm36 stipend a month as income. Now Dr. Gonzi, tell me how I'm going to pay for my increased licence, sky-high petrol and exorbitant insurance? You should be ashamed of yourself.
Budget 2009 is a divina commedia. I'd run my car on whisky rather than diesel soon!
in 98 I voted PN because AS made a similar budget as todays!!!
We need an election soon and I bet the government will break the 22month record.
I am fed up of seeing some of the life burdens in the budget... Today I saw a lot. Oh god what is coming in the next 12 months
2. car registration. Ouch Ouch. quick comparision. 1000cc to 1300cc sav Euro 1498 erg tax
with increase in circulation tax you pay difference in 10 years and hand over to the govt on the eleveth. average 1300 cc appx 150g/km in uk one pays GBP 120 every year (www.dvla.gov.uk) appx Euro 160 ours is Euro 180 and inc after 6th year. Wages in Uk are higher but do not include Euro 4.08 increase (sic). goodnight, ha nmur niehu te bil lumi ha jinzel.
1. learn braille - this would avoid having to switch on the lights;
2. buy a bicycle with three seats - if possible with a side-car and remember for safety reasons buy it with a seat-belt
3. fuel costs can be reduced by always driving downhill, the rest use a bicycle to tow your car.
4. liberalisation of taxi services - see here:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/c/c8/Cycle_rickshaw_Beijing.jpg/450px-Cycle_rickshaw_Beijing.jpg
the rest...
I agree, myself i've bee stuck with my old car for ages- why? too expensive, now i have to pay more to keep it, pay more for the fuel, incredible. BUT NO now i will buy a new one! with 4 euros a week.
thanks dear gonzi
Best budget ever for the years to come. It can be described as hilarious and presented in an old fashioned manner with a taste of brandy. Well done Gonzi!! I wish Malta had more like you!! You are our saviour...I thought to put some blinkers and write in this manner...well I am sick and disgusted!! 4 Euro increase as I had predicted yesterday...please give them to charity and not to my family...
Leaving your roles in the hands of Austin and Fenech while you wander across the Great Wall of China has sent me a clear message of where you want to head our country, direct wreckage!
P. Chetcuti
(floater/ University student)
ISSA MA JISTGHUX JGHIDU LI L-GVERN M'GHADUX IZID IT-TAXXI!
X'SAR MINNU L-BUDGET BIS-SURPLUS, SE NHALLSUH AHNA?
DAL-GVERN IRID IKISSER LILL-HADDIEMA.
UNIONS STAND UP!
Oil prices are coming down, everywhere around the world petrol are going down, apart from Malta - which does the reverse!!!!
This is actually a big increase on petrol prices - when conisdering that they are already very high....
And, is it legal for the government to ask people with older cars to pay more on their licences?! I mean, people with old cars don't keep the old car becasue they like to, but most probably becasue they cannot afford to buy a newer one!!
If government wants old cars to be removed, he could say "scrap your old car, and government will subsidies your new one"....
U aktar minn hekk rahas iz-zejt u flok zied il-petrol u d-diesel.
Budget li vera juri li l-PN ghandux u qatt mhu ser ikollu Kuxjezna Socjali.
halluni ghax sejjer naghmel deal fuq rota u kif inkun hemm nixtri trolley tal hadid minghand il lidl