This week’s topic is certainly the budget as presented by our prime minister on Monday. One must commend the delivery of such a long speech, and the frank and sincere approach adopted by Lawrence Gonzi. The sincerity, in which he relates to the public at large, is an asset primarily belonging to himself, the party but ultimately to the nation.

The public enjoys being told, straight to the point, what Malta achieved, what it aims to achieve, and where our goalposts are.

The budget in itself was an exercise of good governance. Had it been meant to be an election budget only, then, the promises would have been larger, the deficit bigger, and, the strain on the economy in the long term, damaging.

Instead, the Government gave out what it had while at the same time it did not endanger Malta’s future. One will, however, continue to give more in the years to come, and all together an ever increasing better life style assured.

This line of action, a constant over a number of years, must continue, and the country must continue to be led by a Nationalist government. Risking electing a Labour government, whose only clamour is change for the sake of changing, is not the way forward. Painting a picture of a tired government after three years with Dr Gonzi as Prime Minister, against Sant’s nearly 16 years as head of the MLP, is only a feeble marketing attempt to lure some voters. Getting caught in this net is so dangerous, and the risk of voting somebody in, who had to walk out of his seat so often in the budget speech, is dangerous to Malta’s future.

I saw the body language of the opposition members. White pieces of papers were distributed to all, in an attempt to criticise the budget speech, presumably in the press conference. Alfred Sant continually asked his members to give him written notes on their subject. Their whip, continued gathering these papers. It was a frantic attempt to criticise such a budget. The opposition sat for all the 150 minutes of the speech, dumbfounded. All the lists of benefits announced seemed to have knocked them out of their senses. Already surveys were indicating an upturn in the Nationalist vote, now, comes this budget that thanks to the people, and a listening government, covered all aspects of life.

The Labour press conference ultimately had nothing to criticise, so up came the slogan too little, too late. They forgot this is the third consecutive budget with no taxes. They ignore the fact that, today, as you read, oil prices know no limit, and the 100 dollar per barrel barrier may soon be reached. They forgot market forces that are forcing cereals to go up in price. No Labour government will ever curb such costs, as these costs are international, not Malta made.

Remember the VAT was removed by the MLP, but nobody told people about the new CET tax, causing a disaster. This happened 10 years ago, not centuries ago, under failed Prime Minister Alfred Sant. Now in his sixtieth year, Alfred Sant is older, and using the same promises that got him elected 10 years ago. He fooled many in 1996, but to believe we can be fooled again, then he has another one coming.

This budget is not a feel good factor, this budget is for real.

Do you want a government who will not spell out his plans before you risk your vote, or do you want a stable government, lasting its time, and showing you all the cards on the table, urging you to keep faith with the Nationalist and its leader?

For electors in the 9th and 10th districts, this budget was welcomed. It brushed aside all the attempts of labour to destabilise the Nationalist vote, and Labour’s promises of all sorts to people who were pin pointed as potential changers in their vote.

The people have realised that the PN brings stability, peace of mind, and will not resort to the risky business of voting in Labour, keeping in mind their children and family, a priority that was sealed by this forward looking budget.

Robert Arrigo is a Nationalist MP