In his press conference directly after his Parliamentary speech, Delia said that "this is a government which has lost all meaning of a balanced and sustainable economic growth in our society."

"This budget will continue to increase the imbalance in our society, socially and environmentally. This government has managed to make the environment a victim of development, instead of making the environment the priority of development and the economy," he said.

He said that the Nationalist Party wants to bring back a sense of balance in the country, balance which is essential for society, families, businesses and is an essential for each individual. "We have the ability to bring back this balance, but our government refuses to plan long-term."

He mentioned that the PN pre- budget also reflected on the future generation, the safeguarding of the environment and that as an opposition they are obliged to work hard for the future generations.

"The government threw away the Nationalist Party's proposals, proposals which could help our country and our citizens. We do not want two sides of Malta and Gozo, we do not want to cause a distance between those who can afford a lot and those who cannot afford anything. We want to build on what we have said." He said that whilst the government criticizes PN for not speaking about the budget, Delia explained that the opposition highlighted everything which the Budget failed to mention.

Budget with no vision for the future

Answering questions from the media, Delia explained that the pre-budget document was brought about after the opposition held meeting with numerous individuals and stakeholders to understand the situation of the country. " From sector to sector, we saw what we can improve on and that it is possible to do better and be more sustainable." 

He said that more can be invested in individuals and society. He said that the budget, as in the past six years has no vision of where the country should be going. " We have spoken to people to see what needs to be done to improve the future, especially for our youths." He said that as a country Malta should not just take from the EU but also provide back.