The second most commonly cited suggestion at 30%, was stricter means testing for social benefits, reflecting the belief that while social support should remain robust, it should target those most in need. This was followed by a preference for gradually reducing the size of the public sector, with 12% calling for a scaling back of the government workforce. The findings paint a picture of a public weary of perceived inefficiencies in how taxpayer money is managed.

The survey was conducted between 3rd to 14th October 2024 and reached a diverse sample of 862 respondents. The anonymous online survey was structured to ensure demographic representation and weighted to match the Maltese electorate’s composition. The responses reflect a confidence margin of 3.3%, ensuring they are a credible indicator of public sentiment across Malta.

The results suggest a public that has grown disillusioned with perceived waste and inefficiency in government spending. It appears that the public considers the recent proliferation of new government agencies and expanding civil service not to have been matched with a similar increase in quality of service.

The sentiment is clear: people want to see a leaner government that prioritises function and a focus on core responsibilities rather than creating new layers of administration that do not necessarily lead to progress.

The survey results were released just a few days before Finance Minister Clyde Caruana presents the government’s budget for 2025 to Parliament which is set to happen tonight. The survey also found that a majority of the population is concerned with the cost of living in Malta and is looking to the government to help relieve the burden.