AD committed to economic liberalisation

Certain monopolies which result in higher costs for industry and the consumer should be abolished, the chairman of Alternattiva Demokratika, Harry Vassallo said yesterday.

Dr Vassallo also reaffirmed AD's commitment in favour of economic liberalisation, saying that monopolies which should be removed include those held by port workers, taxi drivers, undertakers, public transport and Enemalta.

"On the other hand natural monopolies which can never be abolished should be regulated in a way that consumer rights are protected," he said.

He was speaking during a meeting with the Chamber of Commerce.

Dr Vassallo also outlined AD's vision on the role of the private sector in a modern economy.

"We believe in an open economy in which the private sector operates within a framework of sustainable development, environmental protection and workers' rights. The private sector should be given more space to generate wealth and jobs in the country. The role of the state in the economy should be that of a regulator enforcing environmental and social standards."

Dr Vassallo stressed the importance of an economic policy based on the concept of sustainable development. In AD's manifesto, which contains 445 proposals, sustainable development and the quality of life are fully addressed.

He also welcomed the support given by the Chamber of Commerce to AD's national campaign for a comprehensive reform of the country's outdated rent laws.

"The liberalisation of the rent market is one of AD's main electoral commitments. The state should ensure that justice is done with those landowners whose tenants are still paying the same rent they have been paying since before the Second World War.

"On the other hand the state should subsidise the rents of those low income-earning tenants who cannot afford to pay commercial rents. The liberalisation of the rent market will increase the choice for consumers and will have long-term environmental benefits as it would act as an incentive for the full utilisation of vacant properties."