Speaking to this paper during an interview, Mr Pullicino emphasised that the country may not have a choice but to move towards eco-taxation. However, when prompted to commit himself on whether there will be changes to this effect in the next budget, Mr Pullicino said no decision had been taken yet and everything is still under discussion.

The measure could hit two birds with one stone, on one hand alleviating the burden on the employment sector, while at the same time encouraging environmentally-friendly behaviour from the public and the commercial sector. “Next year, Sweden will make a Lm250 million shift from a labour-based to an eco-based tax system. I believe that this shift has to take place in Malta, as well, but it has to be a gradual process,” he explained.

See pages 8 and 9