* Maltese Government Proposes Modest Tax ReliefMaltese Prime Minister Dr Lawrence Gonzi proposed modest tax relief as he unveiled the government's 2007 pre-Budget document at the weekend.
The document is proposing Lm8 million (EUR18.6 million) worth of tax cuts entailing changes to the income tax bands, a reduction in departure tax and the introduction of an energy benefit to counter the surcharge on energy bills.
Dr Gonzi explained that the government's tax proposals are modest because "we don't want to jeopardise what we have achieved so far."
On a broader level, Dr Gonzi said that the 2007 pre-Budget document continues the process of broader economic reform intended to lead the country into the "next social economic phase of development."
"The Budget 2007 will be another step towards a secure future, within the context of an economy that is demonstrating positive indications of gradual recovery” declared Dr Gonzi.
A public consultation period related to the 2007 pre-Budget document is in place until 30 September 2006.