Budget Day is round the corner. In reality the Gonzi administration has been so positive during the last three and a half years that, if one thinks of the budget in terms of it being the instrument to kick off positive things, then we have practically had more than one budget per month. There has not been one single month in which the government has had nothing to show for itself. It is true that there were difficult times, with their challenges, which had to be addressed and resolved when the going was tough, but I believe that we have come out the winners.
Whenever the government could implement projects and turn expectations into realities, it did not wait for that special day in October or November to put things in motion. This government has done so much. It is too bad that the Nationalist propaganda machine has been too quiet. In fact far too quiet when compared to the government propaganda machine during the Labour days. Had Dr Sant even managed a small percentage of what this administration has managed, their propaganda machine would be blaring out from all possible venues at the top of its voice.
As one can well imagine, come October, expectations become rife. Not only are those sending in suggestions and e-mails expecting delivery but they all want everything at one go. All expect the prime minister to positively address their requests during his two-hour or so speech on budget day. It would be a difficult stunt to perform but I am sure that at the end of the day the result will be quite satisfactory.
Over the last few years I have realised what it all takes. Hours and days of close consideration of all the aspects related to the budgetary measures to be taken. Each measure to be applied has a cost. Each payment has to be collected and one must not take chances but work on results. Nothing is left to chance. My colleague Tonio Fenech has had a mind-boggling couple of months. Together with the people at the finance ministry and other economy-related departments they have been trying to find the perfect glove which has enough fingers to meet the various requests by the different ministries. For them to satisfy all the ministerial and departmental requests, probably the prime minister and parliamentary secretary for finance would need perhaps an extra couple of hundred million euros.
Upon close scrutiny, one realises that primarily the budget addresses the country’s needs. Strategy, realistic outlooks as well as positive realisable commitments have to overrun mere wishes. Wages will increase once again but the people not only expect an increase in their monthly salaries but a government which will further energise those projects and enterprises which will make our economy grow at a faster pace. Notwithstanding Labour’s agonising moans that we are on the brink of a catastrophic doomsday, all indicators show that our economy has mostly performed well.
In all sincerity, no one is expecting Labour to clap or even smile. This is the reality of the Maltese situation, more so now that elections are due to be called at the latest before the end of next summer. Labour must find ways and means to criticise even what has turned out to be good. I wonder whether Dr Sant and company will once again be going through the budget with a toothpick to try and find the one or two paragraphs which might give credibility to their criticism. Even when things are going well – they will be hollering for a “new beginning”.
Forget Labour. The truth is that this budget will once again be good for the nation as a whole. No one in reality expects gifts or giveaways. People demand direction and positive attitudes in respect of those areas which are more demanding than others.
Every Nationalist government is expected to deliver fresh ideas, realistic measures and continual attention. Even when elections are round the corner, this government is expected to keep up its efforts at top gear. If Labour were in government then one would have much lower expectations as regards delivery.
Our families need continued support. Be it in education, healthcare, social services or environment. This generation and the next are expecting further contributions by the government in order to enhance all those aspirations which we are now used to expect. Gone are those days when we merely expected a neutral budget. Gone are the days when one looks back and just says that he or she did not fare too badly in the most recent budget.
Those days have long become bygones. The Nationalist government has set a daring agenda to be brought to fruition by 2015. We are expected to stick to this agenda even if at times it seems only an uphill battle. But then what’s better than having a challenge which can bring out the best of everybody.
We are aspiring for excellence in six sectors which the prime minister has been continually repeating since May. There is no doubt that this budget must address further priorities which will lead to this excellence. Seeking to further build upon our present successes is a must. Aiming to further enhance professionalism in the various sectors in which our economy operates is on the table too. We shall also need to continue addressing those areas which are not economically attractive any more. This to ensure that the work force, which to-date has operated therein, may be trained in order to be able to diversify its employment.
If we believe in each other and are convinced that the Maltese people have the guts to move ahead – we will get the aspired results and be successful. Perhaps next week we could very well start having a taste of it.
Tony Abela is Parliamentary Secretary in the Office of the Prime Minister