In a world marked by uncertainty, rising costs, and international challenges, governments must offer families stability, confidence in the future, and peace of mind. Budget 2027 - Malta Miegħek (Malta with You) does precisely that.

UNIQUE 

Malta's 2027 budget is unique in many ways. No other European government has done, or will do, what the Robert Abela Labour government has just done through Budget 2027: a super bonus of Euro 1,000 for every worker; a second substantial tax cut in a row; yet another pension increase - the 14th in a row since Labour was trusted with government for the first time in 2013; and the continuation of the energy subsidies.

CONTRASTS 

When placed in the context of a highly messy global situation, this budget is extraordinary. No wonder most people have welcomed Budget 2027. It is equally extraordinary - though sadly not in a positive way - that the Nationalist Party Opposition reacted negatively to this budget. It is beyond everyone how the PN could criticize this budget the way it did. Roll the tape back to 2008, during the international financial crisis - which, compared to the current global economic situation, was relatively mild - and recall the then PN government budget for those years: austerity; high energy bills; high fuel prices; no pension increases; and no tax cuts. Instead, the Lawrence Gonzi administration gave people 5 energy-saving light bulbs!

POSITIVE 

But beyond the PN's negative approach, Budget 2027 shall put more money in people's pockets, which will generate stronger economic activity, the effect being a strong positive impact on all employees and businesses in Malta and Gozo. Policy decisions have also been taken to help shape Malta's economy in the immediate and the long term.

REASSURANCE 

For me, "Malta Miegħek" is more than just a political slogan. It is a responsibility to stand alongside people when they face difficulties and to turn economic progress into opportunities. This is what Labour is all about. This is what distinguishes us from the Nationalist Party, and this is why people trust Labour and continue to do so. In times of global uncertainty, we step in to give people reassurance and peace of mind.

DIGNITY

Malta Miegħek is an affirmation that, in the face of life's challenges, the government remains close to the people and works to create opportunities for everyone. And if there is one area where this promise must be felt tangibly in people's everyday lives, it is housing and the use of public land. Because every family deserves security. Every person deserves dignity. Every generation deserves the opportunity to look towards the future with hope.

Kirkop 

This week, I visited the site of a social housing project in Kirkop. There, we will build 89 apartments. The project will also have 70 garages and parking spaces - an investment of €8.2 million. Currently, the project is at the excavation stage, an important step in preparing the site for construction. The investment will also cover mechanical and electrical installations, along with all finishing works required to complete the residences, excluding the cost of the lifts. These apartments and garages shall be used for social housing purposes and allocated to the Housing Authority for vulnerable families.

Qrendi 

Two weeks ago, I visited a new social housing project in Qrendi. There, we are building 28 apartments and 14 parking spaces, providing more families with the opportunity to live in a home that offers security and stability. The Qrendi social housing project forms part of ongoing efforts to strengthen social housing in Malta and provide concrete support to those who need it most.

Cospicua 

I recently visited the ongoing works on another social housing project, this time in Cospicua, which will provide 69 new apartments and 97 parking spaces for vulnerable families. This social housing project, too, will ensure that more families have access to quality homes that offer security and stability. When we invest in social housing, we are investing directly in the quality of life of the most vulnerable families.

STABILITY 

I shall have the occasion, in Parliament, to explain the work done, and that remains to be done within my sector. As I have always said, housing is central to my commitment to building a fairer and more secure Malta. A home represents much more than a roof over someone's head; it provides dignity, independence, and stability. I want young people to start their adult lives and families to plan their future and older people to live with peace of mind. Nobody facing difficulties should be left behind.

BEYOND THE NUMBERS 

The Housing Authority plays a vital role in achieving this vision through social housing, financial assistance, and regulation of the private rental market. It manages over 8,000 social housing units, while more than 15,000 families benefited from its schemes in the previous year.

For first-time buyers, schemes such as the Deposit Guarantee Scheme, Equity Sharing Scheme, and New Hope Scheme help overcome financial barriers to home ownership. Through Sir Sid Darek, social housing tenants can also purchase their homes. Additional grants support buyers with finishing and construction expenses. I am equally committed to helping tenants. The Housing Benefit Scheme supports eligible households with rental costs, while measures introduced for separated people aged 55 and over provide additional assistance. We have also increased the First-Time Buyers Grant for persons with disabilities to €20,000.

During the first nine months of 2026, almost 7,500 families received rental assistance, while nearly 9,300 individuals and families benefited from the First-Time Buyers Grant. Overall, the Authority's schemes supported almost 20,000 families and individuals during this period. We must also increase housing supply and maintain existing properties. Eight Housing Project Solution projects are expected to deliver 415 additional social housing apartments through an investment of €84 million. Meanwhile, maintenance works across 73 blocks, and 554 apartments represented an investment of €4.6 million.

 LAND 

I also believe public land must be managed transparently and responsibly, with future generations in mind. Through the Social Climate Fund, we are investing €31 million to improve energy efficiency in social housing, helping reduce energy consumption and improve residents' comfort.

 MY BEST 

As the Minister responsible for Accommodation and Lands, I shall continue to use the resources allocated to me as effectively as I possibly can, strengthen the schemes that work, and pursue practical results for families and communities. Everyone deserves security, every person deserves dignity, and every generation deserves an opportunity to look towards the future with hope.