Adrian Delia, Leader of the Nationalist Party, has confirmed that his former tax arrears have been resolved and the debt has been paid.
Speaking on Radio 101 this morning, interviewer Sergio Mlallia asked the leader of the opposition if reports by the newspaper Il-KulHadd, on the leader of opposition finally paying his tax debts at the end of March, were true. In an article published by Il-KullHadd today, it is reported that Delia paid the Inland Revenue his overdue tax debt of €55,000 at the end of March, after the PN fund raising marathon.
"It has been resolved and it has been paid now" the leader of the opposition confirmed. Delia shut down any allegations that the timing of his payment in full had anything to do with being after the PN's fund raising marathon, adding "I paid my tax from me and no one else".
The interview also ventured into other issues including the environment, with Delia claiming that Malta's environment was "under threat". "Most of our country is built up and the air isn't clean and that is what we're going to leave our children".
Mallia mentioned the recent protests in front of Planning Authority regarding fuel stations, Delia responded that there many applications for fuel stations being requested, even on virgin land, adding that if the plan is for everyone to eventually switch to electric cars, then why is the discussion not focused on where people are going to charge their cars instead.
"The government is yet to make a declaration. Is it or is it not in favour of saving the environment? The Nationalist party has made it crystal clear that we are in favour of saving it" he said.
Mallia also quizzed the opposition leader on the party's recent proposals for local councils. Delia stated that many people feel alone, especially the elderly, and emphasised the importance of community. Adding that although the council has an obligation to reduce crime it is the government's obligation to fund them. "In the centre of our politics we have the people and where better than to address the governments of our towns and villages".
Asked about education, Delia noted various issues he believes pertain to the current education system. Focusing on the importance of nurturing children to become more inventive, creative and greater thinkers, Delia emphasised that the current Labour government continues to try and control the education system and has only now made a U-turn on the idea of having the entire university run by a new governing board, with the majority of members appointed directly by the Prime Minister.
He also attacked the Education Ministry's proposal of introducing Maltese as a foreign language. "Our language is one of the reasons we are unique, which sets us apart and this government is degrading it".
Referring to educators, Delia said "when you speak to teachers it is not just about money but about respect because if the government does not respect them then why do you expect children or parents to respect them. We as PN respect our educators".