Abela swore that the state would never resort to austerity measures, despite the pandemic and the FATF grey listing.

He further explained that the government is able to do this because of the growth in the economy and the implementation of prudence in the fiscal policy.

“What we will present tomorrow will be the first budget out of five that we will present during this legislature, so that our country continues to move forward in the right direction.”

All together, the five budgets will implement 1,000 proposals. He also mentioned that, in the last year, 324 measures were carried out to further reform the country and improve the people’s lives.

He exemplified this by mentioning the increase in pensions, supplements, the disability allowance and stipends, the reduced taxes on overtime and part-time work, the extended equity sharing to help more people become owners of their homes and more.

This comes amidst a disproportionately high cost of living crisis that has made property in Malta unaffordable for many. The country’s minimum wage remains way below living standards despite a high rise in prices of essential items.

Do you think this budget is a positive step forward for Malta?