ADPD remarked that the slogan for Budget 2025, “Pajjiż ta’ Kwalità” has been met with skepticism as Prime Minister Robert Abela’s government continues to increase public debt without clear justification.
ADPD argued that the administration is opening doors for sectors that offer low-paying jobs and exploit workers. Notably, the largest job growth has been in low-wage employment. The COVID-19 pandemic necessitated increased public debt to support businesses and protect jobs across various sectors. However, the government is now using the pandemic and the crisis stemming from the Russian invasion of Ukraine as a pretext for excessive spending. This debt is not being directed toward future investments but rather toward unnecessary subsidies that benefit those who can afford it, rather than supporting those in need.
ADPD criticized Finance Minister Clyde Caruana for allocating funds to subsidize polluting fuels instead of investing in long-term solutions that reduce dependency on volatile energy markets, such as gas and oil. It called for investment in sustainable public transport systems like a Bus Rapid Transit system and the development of infrastructure that prioritizes citizens over vehicles. Moreover, substantial funds are being spent on pollution subsidies instead of early childhood education investments, contributing to increased traffic congestion and environmental degradation.
ADPD argued that the focus should shift from quantity to quality in public policies, including a shift towards electric vehicles and reducing the number of cars on the road for a better quality of life. Discussions have been ongoing about the need for the country to focus on high-value sectors such as technology, renewable energy, life sciences, and advanced manufacturing. For meaningful progress, the government must incentivize investment in these areas while discouraging pollution and resource overuse, especially in tourism and construction, which are heavily linked and contribute to environmental damage and decreased quality of life.
Despite Clyde Caruana’s assurances, the government’s actions are mere rhetoric without genuine commitment to improving living standards. Prime Minister Abela remains at the helm of a government criticized for its ineffective urban planning, rampant tourism, low wages, pension scandals, traffic congestion, and environmental neglect. The reality is that rather than establishing a “Country of Quality,” the government appears to be undermining the future, burdening future generations with unsustainable national debt exceeding €10 billion.
This situation poses a significant burden, passing today’s financial decisions onto tomorrow’s generations. Compliance with EU regulations is not enough; there is a pressing need to create a balanced budget to reduce national debt, ensuring that the weight of today does not fall on the shoulders of future generations.
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