The Nationalist Party has this morning presented a number of proposals from its electoral programme. Coming prior to the official approval of the electoral programme by the Party's Executive Council on Friday, PN leader Lawrence Gonzi explained that the published points are only the tips of a vast programme for the country's future.

He described the Party's electoral programme as a leap in quality, adding that the PN will try to add 25,000 jobs within the next legislature. He stated that the PN will review the new income tax bands which will bring lower rates. The PN leader pledged that the PN has aimed for a balanced budget by 2015

Dr Gonzi explained that the PN would introduce measures for those who cannot find work in order for them to start their own business, which include removing income tax for two years for people wanting to find work and for three years for women starting their own businesses in order to incentivise more women entering the workforce. The National insurance will also be incorporated in a credit system. lawrence Gonzi explained that a final withholding tax of 15% for all property rentals and succession duty will be removed for all properties.

Touching on the topic of sick leave, it was announced that parents would be allowed to take sick leave in order to take care of their sick children and €5million will be given in vouchers to parents who are studying or in the case of both parents working, to help pay for their children's childcare.

Speaking on healthcare Dr Gonzi announced that the PN will focus on diabetes in the coming years The Party will look into new medicines and where medicine is out of stock in Government facilities, the Government will front the bill for that person to buy it privately.  

Dr Gonzi promised a new school each year and will build on the success the Government has registered in education. He added that stipends will be adjust each year as per COLA, with stipends for students in the science departments increasing. “Students who are studying in higher education will have their NI contributions credited," he cliamed and promised a free tablet for all students and teachers.

Speaking on energy the PN leader promised that the interconnector which will be completed next year will provide 70% of Malta’s energy. He also explained that smart meters will be made available to everyone by the end of the year, adding that a new PN government will attempt to lower the price of energy that is consumed between 22:00h and 06:00h daily.

"We will have a series of initiatives under a programme called ‘Empower’ through which the government will advise people on how to save energy in their homes as well as introduce schemes to help families invest in photo voltaic panels," he said. People who do not have access to roof’s will be able to benefit from these solar farms while others will receive up to 50% in subsidies to install PV panels. The Government will continue to seek funding from the EU for a gas pipeline.

Lawrence Gonzi pledged to publish all the costings of the PN'selectoral programme proposals in the days follwing the approval of the programme by the Executive Council.