The government is currently in the final stages of preparation of the pre-budget document which is expected to be published in the coming days, Prime Minister and PN leader Dr Lawrence Gonzi said yesterday.

In a statement published by the Nationalist Party, Dr Gonzi said the government had already achieved quite a lot with the reduction of the deficit to three per cent and the creation of jobs due to a thriving economy.

The PM said that while the economy will continue to be incentivised, the government is considering a reduction in the tax burden and measures to alleviate the effects of international oil prices.

Dr Gonzi also spoke about the health sector stating that the government will continue giving priority to this sector with substantial investment into Zammit Clapp Hospital which will now begin treating cancer patients. He said that the government is committed to pension reform and will continue with the reforms that are necessary so that pensions remain sustainable.

The PM said that the PN always took the best decisions in the national interest especially Malta’s EU membership which will mean that 800 million euros will be flowing into the national economy next year.