Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1527558
maltatoday | SUNDAY • 6 OCTOBER 2024 6 OPINION Anticipation and accountability: What Maltese citizens should expect from Budget 2025 AS we approach the presentation of Budget 2025, the question on everyone's mind is whether it will deliver more of the same, or if it will mark a turning point in how the government addresses the press- ing challenges our country faces. For over a decade, we've grown accus- tomed to hearing optimistic declara- tions from the podiums of power, prais- ing past achievements and assuring us that Malta is on the right track. But in 2024, this rhetoric feels increasingly distant from the daily realities that Mal- tese and Gozitan families contend with. Evidence of this reality was expressed in the June European and local elections. As Prime Minister Robert Abela has already announced, the middle class can expect a positive tax adjustment, a welcoming gesture, undoubtedly. How- ever, such a measure, while appealing on the surface, must be scrutinised in the broader context of Malta's complex challenges. The real question is: Will this budget address the deeper concerns that im- pact the quality of life of our citizens, or is it merely a band-aid on larger, sys- temic issues? A further legitimate ques- tion is, given that the EU placed Malta in an excessive deficit procedure, how does government intend to replace the revenue lost from reduced tax? Let's delve into some of the areas where Maltese citizens will expect and indeed deserve clear and impactful solutions. 1. The health sector: Restoring dignity and accessibility Our hospitals remain under immense pressure; waiting lists continue to grow, and citizens frequently report delays in receiving essential treatment. Will this budget finally tackle these issues head-on? It's not simply about allocat- ing more funds, but about ensuring effi- ciency in how allocated funds are used. Patients are entitled to timely care with dignity. This budget needs to in- vest in technology and human resourc- es to reduce waiting times, streamline processes, and ensure that the essential medications people rely on are consist- ently available. Maltese citizens will be watching closely to see if the govern- ment can deliver on its long-standing promises to improve healthcare. 2. The energy sector: Building a sustainable future As energy prices fluctuate global- ly, Malta's reliance on external energy sources continues to make us vulnera- ble. The government needs to present a coherent strategy to ensure long-term energy security, and more importantly, to transition towards sustainable ener- gy solutions. Will this budget include significant investments in energy infrastructure? If Malta is to combat the energy crisis, we need to adopt a forward-thinking approach that promotes green energy and invests in energy efficiency across sectors. Citizens are eager to see the government embrace this challenge, not just for the immediate future, but for generations to come. 3. The education sector: Preparing for tomorrow's job market Our education system is another ar- ea in desperate need of reform. It's not enough to raise teachers' salaries, al- though this is a critical step in address- ing the profession's challenges. The real issue is whether our education system is equipping young Maltese people with the skills they need to thrive in an in- creasingly complex and digital world. Is Malta prepared to focus on the skills and disciplines that will drive the job market of the future? This budget must offer more than just token gestures to educators; it needs to invest in a com- prehensive educational overhaul that prioritizes STEM fields, digital literacy, and vocational training. Only by align- ing education with the needs of tomor- row's economy can we secure a brighter future for our youth. 4. Transport and traffic: Enhancing efficiency and reducing costs Traffic congestion remains a daily frustration for Maltese citizens and a significant economic burden on local businesses. The inefficiencies caused by traffic delays are not just an inconven- ience, they have a direct impact on pro- ductivity, business operational costs, and the environment. Will this government take meaningful action to address our transport woes? Without decisive action, the current situation will only worsen, further hin- dering economic growth and quality of life. 5. Environmental concerns: Clean air, green spaces and sustainability Malta's environmental challenges are manifold; from air pollution to a lack of green spaces. Citizens are increasingly aware of the need for clean air and a healthier environment, and they will be looking for government action on this front. The budget must prioritise environ- mental sustainability, not just through token initiatives, but through meaning- ful investments in green infrastructure, pollution control, and urban planning. 6. A vision for the future: Economic growth, population control and debt management Beyond sector-specific issues, the 2025 budget must offer a clear long-term vi- sion for Malta's economic future. The rapid growth of our population, large- ly driven by foreign workers, has put immense pressure on public services, infrastructure and housing. Will this government finally address the issue of population control, ensuring that growth is sustainable and doesn't lead to a further collapse of essential sec- tors? Additionally, with Malta's national debt now costing the nation approx- imately €700,000 per day in interest, how will the government increase rev- enue without imposing additional bur- dens on working families? What new industries will be developed to provide high-value jobs for our youth, and what incentives will be offered to Maltese businesses investing abroad to reinvest their foreign profits locally? Bridging the gap between promises and delivery For the last 11 years, the government has excelled in crafting a narrative that highlights its successes, often obscuring the gaps between what is promised and what is delivered. As the 2025 budget looms, Maltese citizens are no longer content with impressive communica- tion strategies, they want tangible re- sults. They want a government that rec- ognises the real issues and tackles them with clarity, determination, and vision. This year's budget is a test. Will the government continue its pattern of short-term fixes and glossy promises, or will it rise to the occasion and present a bold plan for Malta's future? One thing is certain: the people are watching, and they will hold their leaders accountable for the outcomes. Ivan J. Bartolo is PN spokesperson for work and the creation of new economic sectors Ivan J. Bartolo If Malta is to combat the energy crisis, we need to adopt a forward-thinking approach that promotes green energy