PN unveils sweeping tax cuts with pledge of €1,200 minimum yearly benefit
The Nationalist Party has unveiled a major tax reform package which it says would deliver significant savings for workers, pensioners and families over a two-year period. Speaking during a press conference on Thursday, Opposition leader Alex Borg said Malta’s current income tax bands no longer reflected today’s economic realities and promised a restructuring aimed at easing financial pressures on households. Under the proposal, the 35% maximum tax rate would only apply to income above €80,000 instead of €60,000, while wider tax bands would be introduced across all categories. The PN said every worker, self-employed person and pensioner would benefit by at least €1,200 annually.Families with children would see some of the biggest changes, with higher tax-free thresholds and lower rates for middle-income earners. The PN estimates the measures would affect around 300,000 workers and return up to €265 million annually to Maltese families once fully implemented. (Times of Malta)
Labour proposes legal recognition and fair pay for internships
Internships and traineeships would receive formal legal recognition in Malta, while students taking part in work-based learning would be entitled to fair pay under a new proposal announced by Prime Minister Robert Abela. Speaking during a visit to Malta College of Arts, Science and Technology, Abela said too many young people spend months gaining experience without receiving any financial compensation. The proposed reform would integrate work-based learning into Malta’s labour laws, granting internships and traineeships official status while strengthening protections for students and graduates entering employment. Labour said the measure forms part of a wider youth-focused package aimed at helping young people balance work, studies and personal life. Among the proposals is the “Kick Start” scheme, under which young people starting a business or entering full-time employment would not pay tax on the first €30,000 earned during their first three years. The PL said the initiative could leave young workers with up to €12,300 extra over three years. (The Malta Independent)
ADPD calls for living wage and affordable housing reforms
ADPD – The Green Party has unveiled a series of economic and social proposals focused on affordability, sustainable growth and quality of life. During a press conference, party representatives Sandra Gauci and Brian Decelis argued that Malta’s current economic model should place greater emphasis on long-term wellbeing and environmental sustainability. The party proposed increased investment in green technology, research and environmentally friendly innovation, alongside efforts to diversify the economy beyond traditional sectors. ADPD also renewed calls for the introduction of a living wage, insisting the current minimum wage is not sufficient to guarantee a decent standard of living. Housing affordability featured prominently in the proposals, with the party advocating the development of housing cooperatives aimed at helping more people, particularly young adults, access property ownership. The speakers said Malta needed a more sustainable economic strategy that balances economic growth with social wellbeing and environmental protection. (TVM News)
