Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1544603
CLYDE Caruana is convinced no new taxes are needed because too many remain uncollected, which is why he defends rules allowing tax evaders to reach settlement agree- ments. The finance minister adopts a practical approach when it is suggested to him that settlement agreements send the wrong mes- sage. "Is it a question of putting tax evaders in jail and being sat- isfied with that? Or is it one of collecting what is owed or almost double that? Personally, I'm col- lecting more taxes and that is a bigger deterrent," he says. Last year the government passed through parliament controversial legal amendments allowing tax evaders the possibility of avoiding criminal charges by paying what is owed and a fine. Caruana de- fends this change, insisting it is a better solution to dealing with tax evasion. I interview Caruana in an unu- sually busy week for him outside the budgetary season. He held press conferences on Malta's 2025 financial results and energy subsidies. On the latter, he minces no words and stresses the impor- tance of the subsidies, describing them as government's top priori- ty when it comes to spending. He also defends himself as a socialist when pressed on his re- sponsibility for the current eco- nomic model that has left thou- sands of third-country nationals exploited and victimised. When asked whether the La- bour Party has become arrogant after 13 years in power, Caruana admits that mistakes were made, but insists that in times of crises, the party managed to hold the country together. Clyde Caruana: 'We don't need new taxes because too many remain uncollected' Finance Minister Clyde Caruana is a rare sight for journalists outside budget season. Nonetheless he sits down with Matthew Farrugia to discuss energy subsidies, taxation, the exploitation of foreign workers, and the feasibility of government's light rail proposal 6 maltatoday | SUNDAY • 26 APRIL 2026 INTERVIEW