Sant promises a serious administration

The year ahead was a crucial one for the MLP as it would finalise the programme it would be adopting when it was returned to government, Labour leader Alfred Sant said yesterday.

Speaking to supporters in Balzan, Dr Sant said Labour was formulating policies on different fronts to be able to lead the country out of the "mess" it was in.

Among other things, the party had to discuss whether to retain VAT and if so, what modifications could be made, or whether to introduce a new tax. A Labour government would also work closely with North African countries, Russia, the US and China and would not focus solely on the EU, with which a special relationship would be sought.

A new Labour government would also seek to lessen the tax burden. It would work to cut wastage of public money while giving priority to important sectors such as education, environment and the social sector.

"We do not promise any miracles from day one but we will have a serious administration," Dr Sant said.