The government should immediately say that it is extending the wage supplement scheme to counter the effects of Covid-19 until March, and not leave the private sector in the dark, PN deputy leader Robert Arrigo said Thursday.

Addressing a press conference, Arrigo said that as the number of Covid cases has increased, the proposals made by the PN should be implemented as they provide a cushioning for the expected oncoming negative impact on the tourism sector, which is likely to happen in February and March.

These proposals include that the government should not charge hospitality licences up until March and that the VAT on restaurants and bars should be decreased to 7% as the tourism sector should not be let to weaken any further.

Speaking about the cancelled flights by Air Malta, Arrigo said that the authorities should work together with the national airline so that the people know what is to happen in the future.

In addressing the proper use of public funds, Arrigo said they should be allocated where there is a need. As an example, he mentioned the upgrading of places that have been abandoned for the past eight years.

President of the PN’s administrative council Graham Bencini said that the spike in Covid cases had created new challenges for the tourism sector, especially for the catering industry.

Bencini said that incentives should be given with the aim of making Malta’s catering industry more attractive.

In admitting that these proposals cost money, Bencini urged the government to spend public funds more wisely.

He added that the government is in charge of administering public funds for the benefit of the public and nothing else.

In answering questions by the media, Robert Arrigo explained that restaurants and bars would benefit more from their proposed decrease of 7% VAT as with social distancing, such facilities are operating with almost half of their seating capacity.