This year’s budget debate in Parliament is now closed. I participated in the debate on two ministries, on the subject of yacht marinas, the transportation reform, local councils reform and tourism.

One must keep faith in the forecast as presented, based on the international scene. Although we are no magicians or fortune-tellers, it is evident that something is wrong in the world around us. The wheel, as a driving force in world economy, is slowing down fast. My reading is that recession was here in summer, but Malta somehow got the brunt only last month. Indications were there after the summer holidays, propelled by the oil price hike in July and August that made most, if not all, industries look ahead with very cautious figures.

This resulted in a slowdown. It will take time to pass, and hopefully, as Malta is a small economy, we can go straight out of it faster than others, thus our recession period will be one of the shortest.

Nobody likes to impose higher tariffs, including the government. However the concept of who uses must pay, and to remove subsidies of people who waste, is the correct approach. We cannot live with cross subsidies. This reform in the utilities bills will have an effect eventually, as we will find ways of consuming less, and wasting less. The various initiatives and subsidies on buying energy saving methods are just a part in a string of systems that we all must think about. Yes, one grumbles about the bills today, however it is the medicine that we must have to be healthy tomorrow.

The Prime Minister’s declaration that anybody coming up with ideas how to improve these outcomes, without losing sight of the ultimate goal – that of good economy and good practices – has left a door open to who really wants to come up with good ideas. It is a government that listens and takes note.

Sliema has come up in the news lately, quite regularly, and it’s positive. It is positive that the central government has stuck to its promises in keeping up the momentum, in phases, on the embellishment of Sliema. The process started when I was still the Sliema mayor some years back with the St Julian’s-Sliema promenade. Under various ministers, who have taken up the portfolio of works in subsequent years and subsequent governments, Sliema has been embellished each winter. A promise, I must say, that was hard to be believed by various Sliema residents. Some criticised me, and enjoyed the moment, as the phases seemed to be long drawn and dates far away. However, once again, the government and Dr Gonzi have been proved correct.

The Prime Minister was in Sliema only last Sunday, at the PN office in Manwel Dimech street, and a packed hall was there to listen to some facts relevant to today’s times.

This PN office was recently redone. After years of having its doors closed, this office which does not even have a sign on the door, has a newly voted in committee. This committee will make sure that the office is open to the people and that activities are organised. Burnt bridges must be reconstructed, proper information given, impartiality restored.

Ironically, it will start being used, straight away.

Fate works itself in mysterious circumstances.

I was surprised at the measly participation of people, last Friday in Valletta, protesting about the utility bills. They had to go to Valletta to ask for a meeting. Quite a hassle really, in today’s world of emails and mobiles. However the request was noted, and what promises to be a fruitful meeting was held, and their concrete proposals will be listened to.

Enough with budget, and other related items, and let’s try and get the economy going as best we can, and as fast as we can. Notwithstanding all, we are in the correct groove, and wait for better signals coming in from Europe and the world. Fateful and faithful have so much significance.

Robert Arrigo is a Nationalist MP