GRTU, the Malta Chamber of SMEs, on Tuesday presented its proposals for the electoral manifesto. GRTU CEO Abigail Mamo explained that some of the proposals were already taken aboard by the two major political parties, such as the removal of excise duty, which is included in the PN election manifesto.
GRTU presented a list of 33 proposals based on five key principles which includes the protection of ODZ land.
The Union believes that government should ratify MCESD agreements without hesitation. Government should not compete with the private sector. Ms Mamo explained that government always has a huge advantage over the private sector and it risks destabilising the local market.
The manifesto looks into the issue of local councils issuing permits for temporary stalls. GRTU argues that local councils do not have the capacity or the remit to regulate commerce in their locality. "Unless specifically related to their religious feasts or a specific fair organised in the locality, local councils should not extend the permits to allow street selling."
The protection of ODZ land is given prominence in the GRTU manifesto. President Paul Abela said that he believes that ODZ land should simply not be touched. However, he explained that if the need arises for an ODZ area to be developed, the price should be hefty enough to serve as deterrent for investors.
He referred to the Zonqor Point project for the American University of Malta. He said government should have asked for double the price so that investors do not even consider buying that land. GRTU argues that there needs to be a mechanism set in place to properly calculate the price of ODZ land.
The Chamber for SMEs believes that despite the recent economic success, government should look into creating a new sector where the economy can flourish. GRTU requests that in the next legislature, the elected government should commit to the creation of a new economic sector.
The manifesto also looks into good governance and the role of the institutions.
GRTU believes in the democratisation of the powers of the prime minister. Mr Abela said that it is dangerous and not ideal for one man to have so much power. He argues that important decisions should always be backed up by the Cabinet's majority.
Transparency at the Planning Authority, or the lack of, has been one major concern for GRTU members. Ms Mamo explained that the restructuring has started but it is far from complete. GRTU argues that enforcement should be equal for all. Mr Abela gave the example of the billboard bonanza and how the abuse, although flagrant, is still allowed to happen, especially during an election campaign.
The Small Business Act, which is present across Europe, should be legally enforceable. This will help protect small businesses when, for example, participating in tenders. GRTU also believes that the right of appeal against a decision should be introduced.
GRTU insists that more pro-business measures should be introduced. Ms Mamo said that traffic remains one major obstacle for businesses and retail shops to run smoothly. GRTU embraces the proposal to have free student transport for all.
On traffic wardens, Mr Abela said that government should simply have them removed and allow the police to do the job. He believes that the nationalisation of the system is a step forward as at least, the company would not need to issue parking tickets to manage an income.
Mr Abela criticised the tax rate for international retailers to invest in Malta, which currently stands at 5% while a Maltese retailer has to pay up to 30%. The case with LIDL was an obvious example, Mr Abela said.
GRTU has reiterated the call on government to remove excise duty, which Mr Abela described as an import duty.
On the prices of electricity, GRTU believes that electricity bills should be reduced now that the Chinese investors have made a €40m profit.