‘Do You Want To Impoverish Us?’: MEP Alex Agius Saliba Calls Out EU Over Energy Subsidy Request
Maltese MEP Alex Agius Saliba has come out strongly against a request by the European Commission for Malta to wind down its energy subsidies.
“Rather than helping us combat inflation in food prices, the European Commission cares more about increasing the financial burden on Maltese citizens,” Agius Saliba said.
“Once again, the EC is requesting that the government’s subsidies on energy be removed or reduced. What does the EU want? To impoverish our people? To disproportionately burden those who cannot afford it?”
“I appeal to the Maltese government to stand firm and from my end, I will continue speaking out against this madness at the European Parliament.”
Malta plans to spend some €350 million to subsidise electricity, water, fuel, cereals and animal feed next year, and the government is estimating the subsidies will be in place until at least 2026.
The subsidies are the only thing standing in the way of an increase in electricity bills, which would be expected to deal a significant blow to the Maltese economy. However, there have been calls for the subsidies to be more targeted so as to stop taxpayers from footing the bill for lavish lifestyles.
The EC has warned these subsidies will hinder the government’s attempts to reduce the national deficit and has said they should be wound down next year.
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