Experience taught me a lesson along the years: evaluating the effect not the theories. Last week I understood the positive effect this budget left on all sectors of society. Everybody can interpret words, but nobody can deny the facts expressed by common people.
Last week, as part of my constituency week programme, I had two public meetings in which I was caught a bit off guard by the reactions people gave me. I knew that this budget was real proof of our country’s economic growth but hearing the reaction from the people always gives you food for thought.
When I was attending a talk in Zurrieq, a pensioner told me that he is very happy about this budget. He stressed the fact that he will be getting the full rise with his pension and if he opts to work, he can do so without any conditions since he will still get his full pension.
This is positive since pensioners are experienced workers with a lot of knowledge they may pass to new generations. During the same meeting, a young couple approached me and explained to me how they will be affected by this budget.
They highlighted the fact that all the income tax bands will leave more money in their pockets, they will benefit from the reduction on home purchase duty and they will also take advantage of the interest subsidy.
All this translates itself to more money in hand when being first time property buyers. This is a helping hand for young couples that are looking to take important decisions such as purchasing a new house.
I also met a constituent, a father of three young children, who expressed his satisfaction that his wife and himself would be now getting children’s allowance. Unquestionably this is another positive measure that will be helping more families. I was surprised with the way this particular constituent talked, pointing out that with this particular budget he can assure better health for his kids, since sports participation is being subsidised. This particular measure will for sure encourage parents to send their children to practice some type of sport.
The public consultation exercises proved to be fruitful, leading to a budget document that reflects the needs of our society. While being prudent not to hinder the progress made in our country’s economic growth the measures presented reflect the success we are living day by day. This budget further consolidates the commitment made by the government to give our families a better standard of living.
Without a doubt, these measures will leave our society in a much better position, both financially and socially. Public opinion has proved this while international institutions, such as the International Monetary Fund, continue to confirm that the policies taken would guarantee further economic growth.
Once again, the Labour media tried to avoid the positive effect that is being felt by all Maltese families. For the Labour media the measures taken in favour of children, youths, workers, families and the elderly are not important.
During a television programme on the Labour’s Party television station, Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi was rarely, if at all, questioned about the measures taken in the budget.
The presenter did not ask about the record of foreign investment our country managed to attract., He did not even ask about job creations and the decrease in unemployment; neither about education, the environment nor the new state of the art Mater Dei Hospital.
This astonishes me since these are subjects of public interest, issues concerning all society. Maybe they are not considered a valid topic since they prove the success our country is achieving is a true confirmation of our social and economic growth.
Our country has gained the right momentum to generate further economic growth and prosperity. This must not be hindered. We already experienced hindrance in the form of the European Union application freezing. This time such obstacles cannot be permitted. We must not allow further nonsense when it comes to our country’s social and economic growth.
The choice during the coming general election is simple. The Maltese electorate has to choose if it wants a Prime Minister that believes in the people and empowers them to make this country grow further, both economically and socially, or one who believes that the Maltese are small fish that can be easily swallowed by larger fish. If given the right opportunities, we are more than able to succeed.
Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi put our country on the right track. We strengthened our economy, reduced the deficit and created more opportunities for all. Today we can say that in the near future we can give our people a country without any debt. Our plan is to continue creating quality jobs, to generate prosperity for all and further our success in the European Union.
David Casa is a Nationalist MEP
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www.davidcasa.eu