The majority of the Maltese believe that 2007 will be a good year for the Maltese and the economy.

The results of an online poll on The Malta Independent’s website (www.independent.com

.mt) show that the majority of people who replied to the online question this week had a positive outlook on the prospects for 2007 for them, their families and the country in general.

Respondents were asked whether they agreed with the government that 2007 will be a good year for the Maltese and the country’s economy in general. A total of 54 per cent said they agreed with the statement while 46 per cent said they did not.

Undoubtedly, the main concern for the Maltese population is the rise in the cost of living and in prices of essential items.

Recent statistics have shown that although the government downsized the public sector by more than 3,000 people, the private sector absorbed this drop and increased its employment by more than 5,000 jobs.

The water and electricity surcharge – the main reason for the cost-of-living increase – started and maintained a downward trend in view of the stability in the price of oil on the international markets.

2007 will see a full-blown information campaign which will lead to the introduction of the euro, the single European currency, which is expected to be introduced in January next year. Moreover, from an election point of view, apart from the annual local council elections in March, the Maltese are still in the dark on when the next general election will be called.

While some say that the government will call an election before the introduction of the euro, others believe that the election will be called later on next year so that the public can reap the benefits of a generous budget which the government has already started preparing.

A new poll dealing with the security at football matches situation in Italy, following the murder of an Italian policeman last week is now online. As usual, respondents may also submit their comments on the issue.