PN’s economic model based on ‘increasing value-added opportunities, not population growth’

The Nationalist Party recognises that housing is becoming less affordable due to a number of issues, one of which is the economic model chosen by the government, Opposition leader Adrian Delia said yesterday.

Speaking to journalists after touring a number of stands at Junior College’s Freshers’ Week, Delia was asked about the housing study by KPMG which was commissioned by the Malta Developers Association and states that housing is becoming less affordable.

“Yes, the index shows that affordability is unreachable for certain sectors of society, and sadly is a trend which will continue to go on because of the policy chosen by the government to create economic growth by increasing the population.”

He said that such an economic model will put further pressures on the demand for property on the island.

He added that it was no secret that the wage brackets beneath €1,000 suffer the most, since it is impossible to find property to rent below €600.

“To have housing at €600 a month when our average earning is around €1,000 means that most people not only cannot afford their own property, but are unable to rent either.”

He explained that the Nationalist Party must recognise the issues, and is aware that changes do not happen overnight. He said that the PN does not agree on direct intervention in the market.

“Our economic model would not to increase economic activity by increasing the population but by increasing value added opportunities. This means that you can create much more with less people and therefore ease tension on the property market.”

At Junior College, Delia spoke to a number of NGOs and student organisation while visiting their stands, and discussed the work they do on campus and for the students.

Large groups of students took pictures with Delia and both student organisations Pulse and SDM discussed with Delia their proposals for the scholastic year and presented their fresher’s packs to him.