The Budget Speech delivered in Parliament by the Finance Minister included a considerable number of measures and initiatives that confirm the government’s reputation as a creative manager of the economy. Far more important than prestige, they will create new and better jobs and improve the standard of living of our citizens.

It is a continuation of a series of budgets that were the fruit of cordial but frank discussions with all stakeholders, especially the social partners but also ordinary people who have contributed their ideas during informal discussions since the Nationalist Party was entrusted with the reins of government more than 20 years ago. Results have proved that “working together makes everything possible” was no empty election slogan. Our policies are founded on the bedrock of total respect of human dignity, family values and the principles of solidarity. We are not afraid to face challenges and have proved ourselves adept at grasping opportunities.

Moreover, this budget is yet another link leading us to Vision 2015.



Investment and the economy

Notwithstanding all the financial difficulties and the global recession, the government is determined to further invest heavily in education, innovation and job creation, and to sustain our families, which are rightly considered the cradle and fulcrum of our society. The government has once again shown the best way of using taxpayers’ money and, as my colleague Tonio Fenech mentioned in his introduction, this is being done despite the obvious challenges, the international economic situation, the problem of energy security, demographic developments and immigration.

The government’s mission is to create more and better jobs, as well as to attract more women to join the labour market – hence incentives to support child care centres, as well as the setting up of new ones. Various schemes will be introduced to attract more tourists, and to continue with the enhancement of the necessary infrastructure. The regeneration of our port and improvements to our roads are clearly evident in next year’s budget. Further reforms are envisaged and though these may not be popular, such measures are certainly essential for the benefit of everyone.

The creation of an entity to protect consumers boldly tackles inflation in such a small economy as ours, where competition and economies of scale do not favour us and is a reaffirmation of our belief in a social market economy. A cost of living increase for everyone, including pensioners, and widespread direct support for our utility bills shows the government’s concern for everyone’s immediate standard of living. It would be irresponsible to forget the financial support of anything from e55 up to e250 for families that consume less than 10,000 units, in view of the upcoming utility rates; or the removal of e16.34 levy on credit cards. A taxpayers’ charter, and heavy subsidisation of private investment in alternative energy sources, reveal the government’s middle and long-term aims. Our social security budget will amount to e1.2 billion next year.

The Government’s vision for Gozo as an ecological island, which foresees a sustainable future rooted in the island’s potential and the capabilities of its people, is also included in the estimates for 2010. Of course, there are other measures to cater for eco innovations and for the provision of alternative sources of energy.



Education and the creation of jobs

There are not many European nations that can pride themselves on the fact that, apart from investing in free education, they also give stipends to all students who continue their studies at Sixth Form, university, MCAST and the Institute for Tourism Studies. This is not bravado on our part. It is a simple recognition of the fact that our only resources are human ones and, as such, we view education not only as a social service that liberates the human spirit but also as an economic investment in our future. For this reason we will not give in to those who still claim that these stipends are a waste of money.

Expenditure in education for next year will rise to e270m, an increase of about six per cent over the past year. Facilities at government schools, including IT, continue to be improved and a third of a million euro has been reserved for school maintenance.



Youth empowerment

The setting up of an agency and information centre for youth should prove to be interesting novelties. We want our young people to be involved, as can be seen from a number of initiatives that involve youth directly. We wish to prepare our young people for having an essential and determining role in our country’s leadership. A clear example is the Youth Local Council Programme, which offers a form of structured dialogue to youngsters aged between 14 and 18.

The Youth Empowerment Programme is being restructured so that it offers a place of expression and a learning opportunity for our youths. A vote has been included in order that our youths will have better information on EU Programmes, from which they could benefit.



Sport for all

Sports facilities have improved, but that’s not all. As new ones are being envisaged, we will continue to improve existing ones. Soon we will be opening the Kirkop complex and then building a new complex in Qawra, in partnership with the private sector, while implementing a master plan for the one in Marsa.

A recent Parliamentary resolution gave government land to a number of sporting entities to improve their facilities. Thus a total of 108 sports organisations are the direct owners of land that is valued at more than e44m. It is our intention that more land be given to sports entities to improve their facilities.

The Malta Sports Council will continue assisting sporting entities and organising sports programmes for a wide spectrum of people of all ages and physical ability.

A special vote has been identified for sports activities in Gozo, while sports tourism is strengthened to a tune of e250,000, which will further help our sporting associations to increase the number of events with an international flavour and, as a result, increase the number of bed nights.



The Tiller is in Good Hands

The past year, as well as the budget, shows once more that the tiller is indeed in good hands. As the Maltese saying goes: good sailors prove themselves in stormy weather.