Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi is once again trying to fool the people when he speaks of lowering tax burdens because facts, according to the Malta Labour Party, show otherwise.

In nine years of a PN government, people have paid e930 million more than they used to, a 90 per cent increase, the MLP said in a statement. Under Dr Gonzi’s leadership, people have paid e116 million more, on average, every year.

VAT has increased from 15 to 18 per cent, a fuel surcharge has been introduced, the departure tax has been increased and pensioners staying in old people’s homes are paying 80 per cent of their income.

All this meant that Malta is the country within the EU where the highest increase in tax was registered, the MLP said.

It added it is not true that the MLP wants children to repeat a scholastic year. The MLP is proposing a reception year aimed to give a more solid foundation to children before they start primary schooling.