Prime Minister Robert Abela said that Budget 2026 confirms the Labour government as a guarantee of peace of mind for families and businesses.

Following the presentation of Budget 2026, Abela, Deputy Prime Minister Ian Borg, and Finance Minister Clyde Caruana delivered an address to the nation, where they framed Monday's Budget as a strong combination of tax relief, social benefits, and economic growth.

The three said that the government's continued commitment to supporting families, creating opportunities, and preparing Malta for long-term resilience under its Vision 2050 strategy has resulted in the "strongest budget in Malta's history."

Abela opened by highlighting that the budget confirms the government as a "guarantee for families and businesses."

Noting that global Mediterranean economies remained stagnant, he described Malta's economic performance as one of the strongest in Europe.

"We continued giving reassurance to Maltese citizens that the government is here for them," Abela said.

He spoke of the government's focus on family-centered policies, saying that strong families lead to a strong society and economy.

Abela said that over the years, Malta has reduced unemployment and created career opportunities while providing citizens with rights that were once only a dream, including free childcare, enhanced in-work benefits, and free public transport, all implemented amid challenges such as the global pandemic, inflation, and international conflicts.

Abela said that the government's approach is not one of austerity but of strategic support.

"Europe's finance ministers are frustrated that we are able to choose growth while protecting our people," he said, adding that they cannot do the same for their own populations, as they currently battle economic and political trouble.

He spoke of the significant tax cuts for working families, particularly the new tax bands for parents, and measures to improve conditions for single-parent households.

Abela said that this means that some families in the middle class will pay no income tax for years.

For example, single parents on the minimum wage will now see an increase of €650 combined with the in-work benefit and allowances, Abela said.

The Prime Minister also stressed investment in the future, including incentives for businesses, adoption of artificial intelligence, modernization of machinery, and digitalisation programmes.

"We are providing the means for sustainable economic growth that benefits everyone," Abela said, framing these measures as part of Malta's long-term Vision 2050 goals.

He said that infrastructure investments include the electrification of the entire Gozitan fleet of buses, the construction of a second interconnector, expansion of fast ferry routes, and major road upgrades.

"This is the best budget in Malta's history for families and the economy," Abela said.

Deputy Prime Minister Ian Borg described the budget as a step toward greater national resilience in the years ahead.

He praised the government's 13-year commitment to economic growth without resorting to austerity.

"This growth brings challenges, but we understand the people and communities we serve," he said.

Borg spoke of measures to support tourism and labour migration, including the extension of the skills card and integration programmes for third-country workers to ensure quality and adaptation to Maltese society.

He mentioned the pre-departure course that TCNs will need to take before arriving to Malta, ensuring their integration into Maltese society.

He also pointed to wage-enhancing initiatives in the private sector and capital investments in education and health, adding that the government is sharing economic gains broadly.