Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1540988
13 BUDGET 2026 maltatoday | SUNDAY • 2 NOVEMBER 2025 squared the budget circle €700 million over seven years in new open spaces within urban areas. This dependency on growth al- so strengthens elites—particularly property developers—who can dic- tate agendas to governments reliant on megaprojects as economic stimu- li. In short, such projects increasing- ly resemble quick fixes for a nation hooked on the heroin of accelerated growth. The huge turnout for the NGO pro- test on budget day against the pro- posed planning bills captures this contradiction—while most non-par- tisan people acknowledge Labour's economic success, they are also angry at its subordination to the country's new barons. Fear of a leap in the dark Still, despite widespread concern over population growth and overde- velopment, voters remain wary of any shift that might threaten their living standards—particularly in a country where 17% still live in relative pover- ty. One of the greatest failures of the past decade of plenty has been the persistence of poverty and the num- ber of people living on the margins. In short, the average worker remains dependent on the government's budgetary generosity for any real im- provement in living standards. This dovetails with a culture of political patronage, where governments keep voters content by turning the budget into a candy shop of giveaways. Moreover, in recognition that eco- nomic growth has not translated into meaningful wage gains, the govern- ment has now pledged to cover 65% of private-sector wage increases for two years. While this dependency on the state's redistribution of wealth generated by an open, growth-driven economy is far from ideal, it is understandable that many people pragmatically pre- fer this familiar arrangement to a leap into the unknown. It also explains why the budget remains a major event in the lives of many Maltese— unlike in wealthier countries, where citizens can afford to be indifferent to it. Moreover, those fortunate enough to have inherited property may even find themselves with a vested interest in the very planning policies that are ruining Malta's townscapes. In this context, the Nationalist op- position faces a dilemma: it cannot simply criticise the side effects of the growth model without offering cred- ible alternatives. Understandably, it must reassure workers who fear that any change could leave them less protected. Less understandably, however, the PN remains reluctant to challenge vested interests that con- tinue to reap windfall gains from the current system. Civil society, which has already shown it can challenge the status quo—most recently by mobilising massive protests against the pro- posed planning bills—can also be- come a protagonist in shaping the economic debate. For meaningful change, protest must be coupled with policy delib- eration. Only then can civil society begin to redefine growth—not mere- ly in economic terms, but in ways that prioritise wellbeing, quality of life, and the reduction of inequality. Environmental and social advocacy groups have the potential to become laboratories for radical yet practical ideas capable of reshaping Malta's economic model. For now, Labour has pulled off a balancing act—delivering growth, tax cuts, and higher spending without resorting to austerity or heavy taxa- tion. But the side effects of this suc- cess story—from overdevelopment to weak infrastructure investment—are catching up fast. The real test lies in how long Malta can sustain this growth-driven model without erod- ing long-term wellbeing. And with no coherent alternative in sight, the fear of going cold turkey may well keep voters firmly in Labour's fold. For meaning ful change, protest must be coupled with policy deliberation. Only then can civil society begin to redefine growth— not merely in economic terms, but in ways that prioritise wellbeing, quality of life, and the reduction of inequality