Those who watched last Friday’s Xarabank edition, in which the leaders of the three main political parties were asked to share their views about the budget and answer questions put by members of the audience, must have been rather disappointed....

Government people are expressing alarm and surprise that after what they all believed to have been a good Budget, the very same supporters who should have been jumping for joy are scathing in their condemnation....

One of the subjects tackled during the budget speech presented by Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi last Monday was privatisation....

One has to agree that the new regulations on littering were greatly needed. Hopefully, the end result after they officially come into force in January will be a cleaner and smarter Malta and Gozo....

The reaction to the budget for 2006, presented by Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi on Monday, has been relatively positive. The constituted bodies and social partners, on the whole, welcomed the budget even though the public’s reaction was somewhat negative....

Plans to introduce breathalyser tests for people at the helm of sea-going craft should be given the necessary support so that legislation to this effect is passed without delay – and in time for next summer....

Considering the dark clouds and darker perceptions that were swirling around, yesterday’s budget speech carries no thorns....

A few weeks ago, we commented editorially that balancing the budget will be the biggest problem for the government. ...

When the Prime Minister rises tomorrow to read his second Budget Speech, he will undoubtedly spend many words to make the point that the country has kept to the pre-established targets regarding the public deficit....

The Prime Minister’s visit to London last Monday was somewhat overshadowed by the government’s announcement the following day that the water and electricity surcharge had gone up to 55 per cent....