This budget soothes the people’s minds, Malta Union of Teachers president John Bencini said. “As the president of a trade union concerned with education I am thrilled that the agreement reached between the government and the MUT in relation to the new reform is materialising, not to mention the high expenditure of this reform,” he added.

This reform is important as it not only involves the structure of classrooms but it also improves the position of Malta and its aims in relation to the Lisbon agenda.

It is satisfactory to witness the sacrifices made by the Maltese population being rewarded by such a Budget. The government has also sought ways to decrease the deficit and expand the economy.

“I am also pleased to see the aid provided by the government to persons with disability, as well as the children’s allowance measures which cater for everyone with a child under 16 years of age”, he said.

The government’s decision to provide the full cost of living increase to pensioners as well as the widening of tax bands is extremely positive.

“The only negative point I can mention is the ILO’s proposal on public holidays as this should have been heeded,” Mr Bencini said.