Prime Minister Joseph Muscat has said that there will not be any subsidized flights for early voters.

The Prime Minister was responding to questions asked by PN Secretary General Chris Said in Parliament. The Prime Minister said that the dates for early voting coincide with the Easter break, and that such arrangements cannot be applies that early as they could have a negative impact on tourism during a time considered to be a ‘peak period’ for the industry. In his question, the PN Secretary General highlighted that such subsidized flights have always accommodated early voters, who would be unable to cast their vote on voting day.

The date set for early voting is Saturday 4 April. 

Flights to Malta for the local council elections will cost €70 - double the €35 it cost during the last general elections, another Parliamentary question asked by PN Secretary General Chris Said revealed.

Tourism Minister Edward Zammit Lewis said that the decision was based on current prices and on the principle of making the price as attractive as possible in order to encourage people to participate in the elections. Through a price of €70, this aim is being achieved and the number of bookings are already higher than previous electoral appointments.

The PN Secretary General also highlighted the fact that no subsidized flights are available from Luxembourg, stating that this flight operated last election. In response, Tourism Minister Edward Zammit Lewis said that such a service is not offered by Air Malta’s current schedule. He stressed that the offer only applies to flights on the existing flight schedule. The Minister added that those who live in Luxembourg cannot directly fly directly to Malta, however flights to other nearby countries are available. “No obstacle exists for those who want to make use of the scheme and exercise their right to vote”.