15% tax for graduates, stricter building hours: Momentum gears up for election

Graduates would pay only 15% tax during their first five years of employment if Momentum is elected to government.

The party would also address longstanding pension injustices, including discrimination affecting those born before 1952 and 1962, mothers, and all those workers who are having the pension contributions paid between the ages of 16 and 18 excluded from the total number of years valid for pension.

These are among the new party's electoral proposals announced on Sunday.

Momentum said in a statement that it was at an advanced stage of compiling its election manifesto, addressing the urgent challenges Malta faced today, while setting out a clear vision for a fairer, more sustainable, and more transparent society.

In the statement, it made no mention of an alliance with ADPD. Earlier this week, Times of Malta reported that the two parties had agreed to join forces in a pre-electoral alliance.

“Our proposals cover key national priorities, including public transport, stronger environmental protection, measures to curb rising property prices, good governance, research and innovation, and policies to build a more just society that reflects the true potential of our beautiful Malta and Gozo," said election candidate Mark Camilleri Gambin.

In the coming weeks, Momentum will gradually unveil its proposals, ensuring that each measure is properly explained and discussed with the public.

Key proposals announced on Sunday

• Strengthening transparency through publication of inquiries: all magisterial inquiries will be automatically published upon completion as a standard procedure, with only clearly justified exceptions. This would enhance transparency and rebuild public trust in institutions
• Full transparency in public contracts: a new, fully searchable online database will be created for all government contracts, memoranda, and direct orders, allowing citizens to clearly see how public funds are being used
• A Right to Know through the Open Malta Act: replace the current Freedom of Information framework with a new law that obliges the government to publish information upfront by default. It will remove ministerial veto powers and introduce daily penalties for officials who unlawfully delay or deny access to information
• Protecting quality of life in our communities: true enforcement of the ban on construction work on Sundays and public holidays, while limiting construction hours from 8am to 5pm. Along with a two-year moratorium on any high-rise buildings, these measures aim to safeguard residents’ right to rest, protect mental health, and restore balance in everyday community life
• Supporting young people and pensioners: to retain talent, a 15% flat tax rate would be introduced for graduates during their first five years of employment. At the same time, longstanding pension injustices will be addressed, including the discrimination affecting those born before 1952 and 1962, mothers, and all those workers who are having the pension contributions paid between the ages of 16 and 18 excluded from their total number of years valid for pension