This past week we got to know that a staggering 85 per cent of the Maltese believe that their standard of living will be decreasing over the next year, and that 50 per cent think that the county is going in the wrong direction, while only 28% are of the opinion that things are moving properly.

Other numbers that emerged from the Eurobarometer survey were that 53% of those interviewed think that their economic situation will be worse in one year’s time, while 58% are not happy with the way democracy works in Malta.

Only 44% of the Maltese think that their voice counts, well below the 61% average across all European nations.  That 70% say they will vote in the next European Parliament election is in line with the voter turnout in past elections.

We also got to know that Maltese students scored below the average in mathematics, reading and science in a report that was commissioned by the Organisation of Economic Cooperation and Development.

The report known as Programme for International Student Assessment showed that we are more or less on the same lines as we were ten or five years ago. The more optimistic will say that we are not faring worse, but neither have we made any progress.

The two news items are not linked to each other, but they are both a cause of concern.

That six from every seven persons who took part in the survey are of the opinion that their way of life will be negatively affected in the coming months is not a good sign.

It means that they understand that whatever increase in their income they will be experiencing over the next 12 months – be it a cost of living adjustment or salary rise – will not be enough for them to maintain what they have today.

Normally, a financial crunch means that people cut down from what they consider as luxuries – a holiday abroad or Sunday lunch in a restaurant; or even go as far as doing away with necessities. They may even start taking a closer look at prices while doing their shopping and choosing cheaper brands. They will look at less expensive ways how to entertain themselves, and those in serious difficulties may also start depriving themselves of items and services they normally consume or use.

Over the past years the government has sought to assist workers and their families with cheques and vouchers. This is one way through which the government is trying to keep the people happy while Malta burns.

While all this is happening, Malta’s debt continues to rise month after month, and we are fast approaching the €10 billion line. We are already paying €4 million a week in interest, and sooner or later this fiscal unsustainability will take its toll.

The government says that a substantial part of this rise in debt is a result of the subsidisation of fuel and energy. But the government also knows that, one way or the other, we have to pay the price for this. It has been told time and time again that the subsidies have to be phased out until they are completely eliminated, but the government does not want to listen.

On the other hand, decreasing or removing the subsidies will mean higher costs for the consumers and businesses. The government’s decision to subsidise energy and fuel was a popular move when it was taken, but over time its negative effects have started to be seen (rising debt and EU recommendation to remove them). When they are eventually removed – one day, this will have to happen – the impact on families and businesses will be greater and, in the meantime, the country’s debt would have continued to skyrocket.

With regard to the OECD report on mathematics, reading and science, it is sad to note that the official statement released by the government makes no mention of the fact that Malta scored below average results in all categories.

When reports such as these are published, the first thing that needs to be done is to take cognizance of what is being said, try to see what is wrong, and take steps to fix things.

If the government is not even capable of acknowledging the results, then it is not in a good position to change what needs to be changed to make things better. Doing what ostriches do will not improve the situation.

The tests explore how well students can solve complex problems, think critically and communicate effectively. This gives an insight into how well education systems are preparing students for real life challenges and future success.

Scoring below average on these matters is not a good sign.