In a recent press conference, Finance Minister Clyde Caruana once again presented a confident picture of Malta's economic performance. Strong GDP growth, falling deficit ratios, and comparatively low unemployment figures were all highlighted as evidence that the country is moving in the right direction economically.

On paper, the figures appear positive. Malta continues to register economic growth rates that compare favourably with many European countries. Government revenues have increased, employment remains high, and official indicators suggest resilience in the face of international uncertainty.

But beyond the statistics and economic headlines lies a far more important question - one that many families are asking every single day: how is this economic growth improving people's lives?

Because, ultimately, economic success cannot be measured solely by GDP figures or deficit ratios. It must be judged by whether ordinary people feel more secure, whether families can better afford their daily expenses, and whether young people genuinely believe they can build a future in this country.

And this is where the government's narrative increasingly struggles to match reality.

Across Malta and Gozo, families continue to face rising living costs. Food prices remain high, housing costs continue to increase, and many workers feel that their wages are simply not keeping pace with inflation. While economic growth may be happening at a macro level, too many people feel that the benefits are not reaching them in a meaningful way.

This growing disconnection between economic performance and lived experience is precisely why the Nationalist Party has placed quality of life and affordability at the centre of its campaign proposals.

As Opposition, we believe economic growth must work for people - not simply look impressive on paper.

One of the clearest examples of the pressure facing families is the housing market. Property prices and rents have risen sharply over recent years, placing enormous pressure on young couples, middle-income earners, and first-time buyers. Many are delaying important life decisions simply because housing has become increasingly unaffordable.

This is why the Nationalist Party has proposed targeted measures aimed at making homeownership more accessible and reducing financial pressure on younger generations. These proposals focus not only on assisting first-time buyers, but also on increasing affordability in a sustainable manner rather than artificially inflating the market further.

At the same time, the Opposition has proposed tax reductions aimed specifically at workers and middle-income families. If the economy is performing strongly, then workers should feel that success directly in their pockets. Families deserve to retain more of what they earn, especially at a time when inflation continues to erode purchasing power.

Unlike temporary electoral measures designed primarily for headlines, our proposals are intended to provide lasting relief while remaining fiscally responsible.

The government often points to subsidies as evidence of support for households. While energy subsidies and targeted schemes have certainly helped soften some immediate pressures, they cannot become the foundation of long-term economic policy. A successful economy should empower families through stronger incomes, better opportunities, and improved productivity - not permanent dependence on state intervention.

This is why the Nationalist Party is also proposing a stronger focus on higher-value economic sectors, innovation, digital transformation, and skills development. Sustainable wage growth depends on a more productive economy that creates quality employment opportunities rather than relying excessively on low-cost labour and rapid population expansion.

Employment figures alone do not tell the full story.

Malta may have low unemployment, but many workers continue to experience stagnant real incomes and increasing financial pressure with over 70,000 earning less than €12,000 and nearly another 70,000 earning less than €19,000. Businesses themselves are facing labour shortages, operational pressures, and rising costs. Small and medium-sized enterprises, which form the backbone of the Maltese economy, are increasingly struggling with expenses related to energy, rent, logistics, and recruitment.

The Opposition has therefore proposed measures aimed at supporting businesses through investment incentives, reduced bureaucracy, and policies that improve efficiency and competitiveness. Strong businesses create better jobs, stronger wages, and greater long-term stability.

Another major concern is infrastructure and quality of life.

Economic growth without adequate planning has created pressures in traffic congestion, overdevelopment, public services, and environmental sustainability. Families may see growth statistics, but they also experience longer commuting times, increased stress, and declining quality of life in many localities.

The Nationalist Party has argued consistently that economic planning must place greater emphasis on sustainability and quality rather than quantity alone. Growth that overwhelms infrastructure and weakens community wellbeing cannot be considered true success.

Healthcare and education are equally central to this discussion.

A stronger economy should allow greater investment in public healthcare, schools, training, and mental health services. These are not secondary issues. They are directly connected to people's standard of living and future opportunities.

This is why the Opposition's campaign proposals also prioritise investment in human capital. Economic success must strengthen the foundations of society, not simply increase fiscal revenues.

At the same time, public finances must remain credible and sustainable.

Recent Government announcements have raised legitimate concerns regarding expenditure commitments and increasing recurrent spending. While the Government highlights improving deficit ratios, absolute debt levels continue to rise, and many of the improvements are driven primarily by GDP growth rather than structural reform.

The Nationalist Party believes fiscal credibility matters because long-term stability depends on disciplined and responsible management. Public finances cannot become instruments of short-term political convenience.

This is why our proposals are built around targeted support rather than uncontrolled spending. Assistance should focus on those most affected by rising costs - including pensioners, vulnerable households, and lower-income workers - while ensuring that public finances remain sustainable for future generations.

Economic credibility is ultimately built on trust.

People need confidence that policies are designed not simply to win headlines during a campaign, but to improve their lives in a lasting and responsible way. They need confidence that growth will lead to better wages, more affordable housing, stronger services, and genuine opportunities.

At present, too many families feel disconnected from the economic success repeatedly described at official press conferences.

This does not mean Malta's economy is weak. On the contrary, the country has shown resilience and strong potential. But resilience alone is not enough. Economic success must be measured by outcomes that people can actually feel in their daily lives.

Can families save for the future? Can young people afford a home? Can workers maintain their standard of living despite inflation? Can businesses grow sustainably without excessive burdens?

These are the questions that matter most.

As Opposition, we believe Malta needs an economic strategy that focuses not only on growth figures, but on improving quality of life across society. That means putting families, workers, and future generations at the centre of policymaking.

The Nationalist Party's campaign proposals are rooted in this principle: economic growth should not exist for its own sake. It must deliver security, opportunity, affordability, and dignity for ordinary people.

Because in the end, economic policy is not about statistics alone.

It is about whether people genuinely feel that their country's success is becoming their success too.

Dr Adrian Delia is Shadow Minister for Finance and a PN candidate