Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1541557
maltatoday | SUNDAY • 23 NOVEMBER 2025 Behind the Budget: From Speech to Action Where It All Begins It all starts with the budget speech. But that is just the tip of the iceberg. The real work begins the day after the Parliament address. The Implementation Directorate within the Office of the Prime Minister, together with senior public service officials, meet to dissect the text. Their mission: identify every measure and assign it to the responsible Ministry. Another critical step is aligning each measure with the United Nation's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Malta is among the few EU countries doing this, setting an example for other member states. Beyond the List: Planning for Delivery Having a list of measures is not enough. For each measure, the Implementation Directorate works with the relevant Ministry to design a detailed plan with clear timeframes for implementation and specific objectives tied to measurable outcomes. Every plan undergoes rigorous vetting, assessment, debate, and negotiation before being all finalised by January 2026. From Policy to Action Once these foundations are in place, the next step is ensuring on-time delivery. Month after month, the Implementation Directorate monitors progress, assesses outcomes, conducts site visits, and enforces accountability. Ministries are kept on track to meet objectives and deadlines, turning policy into tangible results. Driving Policy into Action: Transparency, Accountability, and Governance in Practice The journey from a budget speech to tangible outcomes is more than a bureaucratic exercise—it is a demonstration of governance in action. Transparency and accountability are embedded at every stage, from identifying measures to aligning them with national priorities and global commitments. Continuous monitoring ensures promises become measurable outcomes. At its core, the Public Administration stands as at the centre of the process and as the driving force, bridging the gap between policy and reality, and reaffirming its role as the custodian of trust and excellence. Budget articles often focus on headline measures or political narratives. This one does something different: it takes you behind the scenes to reveal how a budget speech is transformed into a detailed roadmap for action. The result? A comprehensive list of over 400 measures—covering every initiative mentioned in the Budget Speech 2026, including those tucked between the lines. If you would like to know more follow us on implementation.gov.mt. Budget Measures & the SDGs 2026 Gender Equality Clean Water and Sanitation Affordable and Clean Energy Decent Work and Economic Growth Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure SDG 1 SDG 2 SDG 3 SDG 4 SDG 5 SDG 6 SDG 7 SDG 8 SDG 9 No Poverty Zero Hunger Good Health and Well-being Quality Education Life Below Water Life on Land Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions Partnerships for the Goals SDG 10 SDG 11 SDG 12 SDG 13 SDG 14 SDG 15 SDG 16 SDG 17 Reduced Inequalities Sustainable Cities and Communities Responsible Consumption and Production Climate Action 10.0% 2.1% 12.9% 5.2% 0.4% 1.9% 4.8% 6.0% 6.0% 13.5% 16.6% 0.4% 6.4% 0.8% 12.5% 0.2% 0.2%