The PN will consider tax breaks for employers, Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi announced this evening.

Dr Gonzi was giving his opening speech during a meeting with members of the Malta Employers Association (MEA), where he stated that in order for the National debt to be addressed, the country must first tackle the deficit. He emphasised that by 2016, the country will register a surplus rather than a deficit. He spoke of past schemes which allowed employers to transform tax breaks into expansion of their industries. “Over 2 million tax credits have been granted resulting in employers receiving €500 million,” he stated.

Precarious work was also discussed. The Prime Minister emphasised that the term ‘precarious’ refers to illegalities, not definite contracts.  He also announced that although it is considered legal to employ someone in two part time jobs and class him as a part-timer, it doesn’t make it right.

The PN Leader described employers a “protagonists who are crucial in Malta’s financial mechanism”. He explained that recent statistics provided by Eurostat indicate that the problem regarding the employment rate in Europe continues to prove problematic, emphasising the importance the PN has and will place on job creation.

Dr Gonzi described the importance of clean energy, adding that the PN will continue to invest in incentives to further allow people to use alternative energy sources, such as solar power. Lawrence Gonzi spoke about women’s participation rate, adding that although Malta has one of the best records in this regard, it could still be better. 

PN Deputy Leader Simon Busuttil was also present.

The press were asked to leave in order for members of the MEA to ask questions in private.