Alternattiva Demokratika this afternoon welcomed the publication of the rent reform white paper.

Party chairman Arnold Cassola said the reform should address three issues: Justice with landlords who have been carrying a burden on behalf of the state for so long while ensuring that the state steps in to protect the most vulnerable in society; measures which would lead to empty dwelling being put into use; and measures to discourage new construction on unbuilt areas.

Dr Cassola said AD was satisfied that on its insistence, rent law reform had been put on the national agenda.

"AD will study the proposals in detail. What stands out is the preference being afforded to political party clubs. We feel that the Rent Law should apply equally to all citizens. The parties in parliament already share some €250,000 of public funds between themselves supposedly for EU related political work, why should they be preferred over others in this matter too?"

He said that some proposals in the White Paper if left unchanged, would mean the state would again be abdicating its social responsibility and transferring its responsibility onto individuals - the €185 minimum rent per annum is risible when thousands of people are constrained to enter into long term mortgages to buy a place of residence. The state should step in to support vulnerable people through rent subsidies and social housing which should benefit the worse off."

Dr Cassola said another anomaly in the White Paper was its reference to just the traditional family, ignoring completely the Maltese reality.

"There is no mention of cohabiting, divorced or same-sex couples. Ignoring social realities will not make them go away. Civil rights should be equal for all."

He said the 20 year transition period proposed for commercial property to bring their contract with market rates was far too long and should be shortened drastically.