ADPD slams 'PL and PN's piecemeal taxation proposals'
'Taxation should ensure that those with greater means contribute fairly while guaranteeing that public services are adequately financed'
ADPD on Friday slammed the PL and PN's piecemeal taxation proposals, which it said failed to address the wider questions about Malta's economic model.
”Taxation should indeed be discussed, but it must be approached holistically and guided by clear social and ecological principles, not through isolated electoral measures designed for short-term political gain," the Green Party's candidate for districts 3 and 4, Brian Decelis, said.
"Taxation is portrayed as some dirty word by PL and PN, however, it is a system, if rooted in progressive principles, that ensures that those with greater means contribute fairly while guaranteeing that public services are adequately financed.”
The party is warning against reducing taxation debates to narrow discussions on selective tax cuts without considering the broader impact on social justice, environmental sustainability and the state’s capacity to provide quality healthcare, education, social protection and infrastructure.
ADPD's chair Sandra Gauci called for a serious national discussion on what kinds of economic activity should be encouraged, discouraged or phased out altogether.
"There are various issues to tackle. For example, why should income from labour continue carrying a disproportionate burden while wealth, speculative financial activity, land speculation and dormant assets remain comparatively undertaxed," asked Gauci, who will be contesting districts 6 and 12.
“The real choice is between an economy that serves everyone, is socially just, ecologically sustainable and respects people and resources, and an economy based on exploitation and short-term speculation that benefits a few at the expense of the many."
PL and PN should refrain from proposing fragmented tax measures without presenting a coherent vision for Malta’s social, economic and environmental future, she said.