One must praise the current administration for the way it has systematically attacked the deficit problem, even through the recession.

Like everywhere else, Malta suffered. But although we suffered, this government had the foresight and wisdom of not abandoning its goal to reach a balanced budget and, eventually, a surplus.

The deficit and public debt are shackles to the economy and under new fiscal rules, Malta could take quite a rap if we do not at least begin to address the problem. This government has shown that it is serious in starting to tackle it now, two years before the new rules set in. That is why this party has been voted into government in successive general elections. It is serious and it has foresight.

Louis Vella

Pieta`