Robert Abela Announces Date For 2026 Budget
Prime Minister Robert Abela announced that the Budget 2026 will be delivered on 27th October from Parliament.
Abela said on Saturday that Malta’s upcoming budget will be shaped by international economic uncertainties, but stressed that his government remains committed to investment and growth rather than austerity.
He contrasted Malta’s approach with that of other European countries, noting that governments in the UK, Germany, and France are cutting back on spending and adopting austerity measures. Abela insisted that in Malta and Gozo, investment will continue to drive progress.
Finance Minister Clyde Caruana had earlier in the week outlined government’s fiscal objectives, confirming that the deficit is expected to fall below the EU’s 3% threshold in 2025, well ahead of Malta’s Excessive Deficit Procedure deadline. The reduction is largely linked to the phasing out of restructuring costs for the former national airline and lower subsidy requirements.
Caruana also pointed to Malta’s strong economic performance, forecasting 5.9% real GDP growth this year, which he said will allow government to keep strengthening support for families and businesses.
Reiterating this point on Saturday, Abela pledged that government would continue delivering stability.
The Prime Minister also used the opportunity to criticise the Nationalist Party. He accused PN leader Alex Borg of wanting to stall Malta’s progress after Borg said he would govern conservatively without reversing civil liberties.
Abela further addressed immigration, highlighting enforcement against law-breaking foreign nationals. He noted that in the first half of 2025, 350 individuals were deported from Malta after being found guilty of offences.
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