Today the government confirmed it’s tired, said PN Leader Bernard Grech, in his first reaction to the budget presented by Finance Minister Clyde Caruana.

Speaking to journalists, Grech said that the government did not provide solutions to several important matters, such as how it is going to get back the €400 million back from the fraudulent hospital deal, or how it is going to address the ever-increasing population.

He said that the people are constantly feeling the weight of the population which is increasing “by thousands, yet the government wants to continue to endorse its current economic plan”, he said whilst explaining how it is based on on the importation of foreign workers who are low earners.

A direct effect of this is that nationals are left competing for health services and are suffering traffic problems, continue Grech.

Moreover, he said how there also seems to be a lack of investment in the environment.

Commenting on the announced increase of €15 to pensions, he said that this figure also includes the COLA adjustment, which leaves the pensioner with less than an actual €3 increase.

He said that this is not enough, as the cost of living is affecting the quality of life of the elderly.

Referring to the multiple negative reactions from social partners, Grech said that even this shows lack in investment from the government’s side.

“There was also no indication for a new hospital in Gozo,” said Grech, whilst also saying that the same happened regarding the also promised new mental hospital.

Moreover, he said that during earlier parliamentary questions, Health Minister Chris Fearne indicated that the government was going to continue investing in the outpatients department, “however there was no mention of it in the budget”.

Additionally, Grech also noted, how despite the government recognising its failure to predict the heavy usage of electricity distribution last July, there was no substantial investment to address the infrastructure.