The Opposition Leader was very vague when promising to reimburse families with the VAT they would have paid on items bought for their student children, the Nationalist Party said. Alfred Sant was not explaining how this measure would be implemented in practice.

This was not surprising, coming from a politician who, when Prime Minister, had burdened students and their parents with costs.

The Nationalist Party in government had never held back funds for education and had voted Lm2.3 million for the smart card system for students, besides the stipends which 15,500 students received.

On the other hand, Dr Sant had made students run up debts if they wanted to continue their education, by telling students they would have to pay back the stipends. After 10 years in opposition Dr Sant should be more detailed in the promises he was making, the PN said.