The feedback was excellent across the board. It's understandable. Budget 2025 incentivises hard work and puts more money in people's pockets. But it does even more than that - it improves people's quality of life, and it does so in many sectors from the environment to more quality tourism, culture and the arts, healthcare and education, air quality and more open spaces.

This would not have been possible without a strong, thriving economy.

In 2013, Labour laid the foundations for a strong economy. Since then, the economy has grown and diversified. Today, ours is one of the fastest growing economies in the Eurozone.

Trade unions and employers' associations welcomed the 2025 Budget as did representatives of small- and medium-sized businesses. They acknowledge that the country is economically sound and that it will only get stronger which explains why while welcoming Budget 2025, they believe that more should be done. Success often brings higher expectations - as it should. They are ambitious. The government is too.

In my sector, national patrimony, culture, the arts and local government, Budget 2025 was warmly received. I can vouch for that. The feedback I received has been positive and extremely encouraging. For the last decade, Labour administrations invested heavily in these areas. More needs to be done but together we achieved a lot.

Last week, I addressed a press conference held at the unique Villa Guardamangia. It is perhaps one of the best-known buildings in Malta and beyond. It is unique in many ways.

Princess Elizabeth and Prince Philip lived there intermittently for a couple of years before the princess was crowned queen after the death of her father.

I announced that Heritage Malta will be issuing the first tenders for the necessary works in this home. When this ambitious project is ready, the villa will be enjoyed by the Maltese people and the tourists who come to visit it. Investment in it exceeds €10m from European funds.

Recently, I accompanied Prince Edward, son of the late monarch and his wife Sophie on a visit to Villa Guardamangia. It was an emotional visit for the prince. He informed me that King Charles is in talks with the Royal family to see how the value of this house can continue to be maximised.

Budget 2025 invests heavily in restoration works across Malta and Gozo. No less than 40 restoration projects will be initiated, continued or implemented during next year, ranging from small and medium scale projects to others of major and national size. 

I have always believed that a country of quality is not only recognisable by its economic success, but also by how much it cares for its heritage and the arts and culture sectors.

Following the inauguration of Micas, Malta's first international contemporary art museum, up next is the Culture and Arts Hub in Marsa, which includes, among others, the facilities for Carnival enthusiasts. This is a major infrastructural project, which requires significant investment. It will be another legacy for the arts and cultural sector by the Labour government. 

In Valletta, €600,000 worth of investment shall result in a restored Main Guard at Piazza San Gorg, which attracts thousands of Maltese and tourists daily. 

Moreover, Cottonera's magnificent fortifications shall continue to be restored. These are genuine gems, renowned for their brilliance worldwide.

Festivals Malta is committed to produce more high-quality festivals and the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra has an ambitious events calendar that shall attract specialised tourism to Malta.

Arts Council Malta shall, for the first time, be participating at the prestigious Gwangju Art Biennale in South Korea, in addition to the Venice Art Biennale and the London Design Biennale. These events serve as important occasions to demonstrate the works of local artists on the world stage.

NAPA, the agency for the performing arts, will have new offices and dance studios at MCAST in Paola.

These are exciting times for culture and the arts. The investment in these areas is unprecedented. The creative industry is flourishing and has become an important economic niche too. We are not there yet. But we have come a long way. Budget 2025 acknowledged their importance and we are committed to make them flourish even further.