AD’s chairperson Dr Harry Vassallo said: “Considering the country’s serious financial problems, it is simply irresponsible to spend this amount of money on building a new parliament. After spending Lm9 million on Dar Malta, the government persists in sending the wrong message to the country. In facing the country’s deficit problems, the Maltese and Gozitans should be led by the government’s example rather than by its thrift.

“We appreciate the need of embellishing and restoring our capital city.Yet even in this aspect the government’s priorities are distorted. A few months ago, the government announced that it was shelving the connections project, a project which would have given a lease of new life to our city.”

Dr Vassallo said this project would have made Valletta more accessible while reducing traffic congestions in our main road arteries. The government had considered this project as being too expensive. The government is not even willing to spend under Lm200,000 on the Barrakka lift.

“Rebuilding city gate is also a greater priority than building a new parliament. Our capital city deserves a dignified entrance. This should be the first priority of the government as soon as the country’s financial situation improves.

“As regards the old opera house, a public-private project partly financed by the private sector would make more sense. The site of the former opera house could become a hub for operas, concerts, theatre and popular entertainment, in a way that it would generate revenue for private investors,” concluded Dr Vassallo.