Prime Minister Robert Abela on Wednesday stated that the upcoming Budget will not feature the introduction of any new taxes, but rather, it will look to create wealth and "fairly distribute" it through the decisions pending announcement.
During an interview on ONE programme "Bil-Fatti" with Claudia Cuschieri, the Prime Minister said that the government's "absolute priority" during this Budget will be focused on the quality of life of Maltese and Gozitans. This year's annual Budget will be presented on Monday, 28 October.
Abela added that the country's renewal is being carried out thoughtfully by continuing to strengthen the economy, by attracting investment, by incentivizing families and businesses, and simultaneously, by the Government harnessing on what can give people serenity and tranquillity to bolster their quality of life.
Abela said that everyone has a right to freedom of expression as long as their expression is not harmful to anyone. He stated that tribalism and partisanship no longer have a place in today's society - so much so that society is denouncing those who try to tear people down through false allegations, he said.
Discussing Carmelo Abela's recently closed defamation case, PM Abela highlighted that the Court had found no concrete factual basis on the claims made against him vis-à-vis the HSBC bank heist. Similarly, Abela remarked that in the case of Stephen Mangion's death at Mater Dei Hospital, the magisterial inquiry found that there had been no negligence committed by the medical staff; he also described how the Court, in this case, called for mechanisms against persons who make and spread false allegations to be strengthened.
The Prime Minister discussed current affairs from local news - particularly the issue that sprouted this week between NGO Moviment Graffitti and the University's student council, KSU. The Prime Minister said that opinions should not be censored, as the NGO's was during the University of Malta's Freshers' Week on Tuesday morning. He emphasised how different opinions should be treated with respect, irrespective of whether they are agreed or disagreed upon, since people should be allowed to express themselves and their thoughts.
On the subject of education, Abela labelled this sector as a pillar full of investments, both for students and educators. On the latter, he said that these professionals have opened this academic year with substantial increases in wages and improved working conditions after signing a new collective agreement this past summer.
Abela then diverted his attention from the general education sector and onto the situation at MCAST. The Prime Minister called for a permanent and sustainable solution to be found that "gives lecturers what they deserve" while simultaneously leaving students out of this dispute. He advocated for this issue to be unblocked with immediate effect.
Referencing the international community, PM Abela said that the last few days have been busy for Malta through the United Nations General Assembly in New York City. Abela reiterated his appeal for peace and the need for more dialogue amidst the escalating developments in the Middle East beyond Israeli territory.