The 2016 budget presented by the government lacks a strategic vision for the future of the economy, PN deputy leader Mario de Marco said today during an interview on Radio 101.

Dr de Marco said that the rise in pensions presented in the 2016 budget will not solve the problem of pensioners living at risk of poverty.

While calling the raise in pensions positive, Dr de Marco said this was not sufficient given that nearly a quarter of Maltese are living at risk of poverty.

He also lamented the lack of c vision by the government, stating that Malta’s success has always been built on identifying new economic niches.

He called the government’s excuse of maintaining high fuel prices in order to reduce traffic congestion “weak.”

Dr de Marco also hit out at the government’s plan to replace eco-tax on certain products with an excise tax.

“The GRTU itself is saying the scheme does not make sense and should be suspended immediately. If the government truly listens, it would not go ahead with the measure.”