Prime Minister Joseph Muscat spoke of a 14 per cent increase in the proportion of people who make up the middle class, reflective of the all-time-low unemployment rates and the fewer people dependent on benefits.

His comments come during a brief phone-interview on One Radio this morning.

He repeated his previous claims that the upcoming budget will focus on a more even and fair distribution of wealth. Dr Muscat said this is a priority for government in order to ensure that the unprecedented levels of economic growth Malta is currently experiencing is felt by as many people as possible.

He highlighted two separate economic indicators were Malta has done very well – being lowest unemployment rates in the EU and highest rate of economic growth in the EU. Complementing such statistics, Dr Muscat spoke of the increased number of young people who are choosing to stay in education, rather than slip through the cracks with no education, training or work.

Dr Muscat also swore to make the fight against poverty a priority, and then proceeded to make not of the record tourists arrivals, praising the stellar work being done within this sector.