The Communist Party of Malta views the Government’s national
energy policy as one that lacks social justice. Once again the government has
failed to address the increasing problem of ‘fuel poverty’.
“The rise in energy tariffs, especially on the basic consumption of gas and electricity
is putting families in a precarious financial situation where in order to pay
the energy bills their standard of living is being lowered. Last year a record
number of old persons had to be hospitalised as they could not afford to heat
their residence.”
The Communist Party once again appeals for a social policy with
regards to domestic energy. “Government should conduct a study, on the lines of
the Caritas report to quantify the necessary basic amount of energy
consumption needed by families. The Party insists that the basic
consumption of energy should be safeguarded with a fixed reasonable rate, while
waste of energy should be heavily penalised.”
“The policy projected by the Government where energy production
remains under state control is positive, as this ensures more stability and
security in energy tariffs.”
“On the other hand we disagree with the Government’s policy with
regards ‘Solar energy Farms’, as it is a vague policy that lacks social
justice. The Party believes that the state should invest in renewable energy
from public funds, so that all families could benefit from this type of
investment. To date the national policy on energy has discriminated against the
have-nots.”
“The €50 million government’s proposed reduction in the income
tax for the well off could have made good for a capital investment in renewable
energy that benefits all the social strata.”
