In its first reaction to the White Paper on Rent Law Reform, Alternativa Demokratika Chairperson, Arnold Cassola, said that after years of procrastination at last concrete proposals are being made. AD is satisfied that its insistence has served well. At least a first step has been taken after its insistence that this issue should be put on the nation's agenda.

Arnold Cassola said:"AD will study the proposals in detail. What stands out is the preference being afforded to political party clubs. We feel that the Rent Law should apply equally to all citizens. The parties in parliament already divide some 250,000 Euros of public funds between themselves supposedly for EU related political work, why should they be preferred over others in this matter too? I invite the other parties to declare whether they agree with the proposal in the White Paper or not."

"We also note that some proposals in the White Paper if left unamended would mean the state is once again abdicating from its social responsibility and transferring its responsibility onto individuals - the €185 minimum rent per annum is risible when thousands of people are constrained to enter into long term mortgages to buy a place of residence. The state should step in to support vulnerable people through rent subsidies and social housing which should benefit the worse off."

Another anomaly in the White Paper is its reference to just the traditional family ignoring completely the Maltese reality. There is no mention of cohabiting, divorced or same-sex couples. Ignoring social realities will not make them go away. Civil rights should be equal for all.

AD is of the opinion that a 20 year transition period proposed for commercial property is far too long and should be shortened drastically.

The reform should address these 3 issues:
a) Justice with owners of property who have been carrying a burden on behalf of the state for so long while ensuring that the state steps in to protect the most vulnerable in society;
b) That the necessary conditions are created so that the 53,000 empty properties will start being utilised;
c) Discouraging of construction in unbuilt areas.