Momentum’s Manifesto: Taxi Fares & Vacant Homes in the Spotlight

Imagine this: You’re at the bustling Republic Street in Valletta, flag down a taxi, and the driver says, “That’ll be €2, please.” Sounds like a dream? Not if Momentum Party has its way. The political party has just launched its manifesto, and it’s got Malta talking about taxi fares and vacant homes.

Taxi Rides for €2: A Reality?

Momentum is proposing a flat taxi fare of €2 within Malta’s six local councils. No more meter anxiety or haggling with drivers. The party argues that this will make public transport more affordable and attractive, reducing car usage and traffic congestion. But how feasible is this?

Currently, taxi drivers pay around €300 per month for their license. If fares drop to €2, they’d need to triple their passenger count to maintain income. This could lead to longer wait times for passengers, or drivers working even longer hours. Momentum suggests that increased passenger volume will offset this, but .

Taxing Vacant Homes: A Bold Move

Another standout proposal is a tax on vacant homes. Malta’s property market has seen skyrocketing prices, pushing many first-time buyers out of the market. Momentum believes that taxing vacant properties will encourage owners to rent them out, increasing the housing stock and making homes more affordable.

But will this deter foreign buyers, a significant segment of Malta’s property market? Momentum insists that the tax will be progressive, targeting high-end properties more than affordable ones. However, details are still scarce, leaving room for speculation.

Momentum’s Manifesto: A Breath of Fresh Air?

Momentum’s manifesto is a breath of fresh air, sparking conversations about issues that affect everyday Maltese. Whether it’s affordable taxi rides or addressing the housing crisis, the party is challenging the status quo. But as with any political promise, the devil is in the details. Let’s hope Momentum’s manifesto is more than just election rhetoric.

“We’re not promising the moon,” says Momentum leader Ivan Bartolo. “We’re promising practical solutions that will make a real difference to people’s lives.”

As Malta heads towards the next general election, the conversation about Momentum’s proposals is just beginning. Let’s hope it’s a conversation that leads to meaningful change.