The 2008 Budget is certainly a pre-election budget, especially if one takes into account the Nationalist Party’s four straight defeats in the local council elections and the European Parliament Election, as well as the negative opinion polls, Josie Muscat, leader of the Azzjoni Nazzjonali party said.

“We must bear in mind that the next general election is bound to take place within four months, and the PN must redeem itself in the light of its unkept promises that seem to crop up in every single budget,” he said.

It is utterly ridiculous that a country 17 miles long has a capital expenditure that exceeds Lm1 billion.

The government must explain why it is increasing social services in a country in which people are supposedly better off, he added

It is clear that the government, a few months before an election, is trying to please as many people as it can, by showering crumbs to a lot of people.

People must also bear in mind that budget measures will come into effect on 1 January, thus if the PN loses the next election, a new government will probably devise another budget according to its policies.

This budget can only be described as positive if looked at from the Prime Minister’s point of view. It is true that the education budget has been increased, however, this country produces a large number of illiterate youngsters.

In spite of Dr Gonzi’s self proclamations, Gozitans are not feeling any better, thus showing that the prime minister is out of touch with the Gozitans. This is also happening in Malta.

This budget also lacks incentives for the country to keep its traditional family model, thus prompting people to choose alternative lifestyles, such as staying single or cohabiting.