Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1547312
11 maltatoday | SUNDAY • 25 OCTOBER 2026 OPINION Budget 2027: A test of parliamentary maturity Fleur Abela Lawyer and Labour member of parliament FINANCE Minister Clyde Caruana will tomorrow present Budget 2027, outlining the gov- ernment's priorities for the year ahead. I look forward to this im- portant occasion with optimism and confidence. I am convinced it will build on the achievements of successive Labour budgets, which have combined econom- ic growth with social responsi- bility, support for families, pen- sioners and businesses alike. Under Prime Minister Robert Abela's leadership, I am confi- dent that this budget will con- tinue that positive direction while addressing the evolving needs and aspirations of our country. For me personally, however, this year's budget carries an ad- ditional significance. For the first time, I will be participating in the budget pro- ceedings as an MP. Previously, I followed these important occa- sions from a different perspec- tive as a member of the public, listening to the proposals, ar- guments and exchanges taking place within the House. That experience has shaped the way I now look at my re- sponsibilities as a parliamentar- ian. I know what it means to fol- low a budget speech from home, hoping to understand how the decisions being discussed will affect our families, livelihoods and future. As MPs, we should acknowl- edge that the public is tired of unnecessary shouting, disorder- ly exchanges and political con- frontations that contribute little to the discussion. People expect disagreement. They understand that the gov- ernment and the Opposition will not always see eye to eye. Indeed, that is the essence of parliamentary democracy. What they do not deserve is to see serious national debates repeatedly overshadowed by avoidable incidents and politi- cal theatrics. It is precisely with this per- spective in mind that, on the eve of Budget 2027, I wish to make an appeal that goes beyond po- litical colours and party loyal- ties. Let us ensure that the com- ing days are remembered for the quality of our arguments, rather than the volume of our voices. Unfortunately, we have wit- nessed parliamentary occasions when political confrontation overshadowed the matters be- ing discussed. Representatives shouting over one another, ex- changes descending into un- necessary hostility and even instances of MPs deliberately positioning themselves in front of television cameras have turned serious institutional oc- casions into childish spectacles. Such behaviour serves nobody. It neither strengthens an argu- ment nor advances a political position. If anything, it dimin- ishes the dignity of an institu- tion that should command the respect and confidence of every citizen. Parliament is not a tele- vision studio in which the loud- est voice wins. It is our country's highest democratic institution, where competing ideas should be presented, challenged and defended through reasoned ar- gument. I firmly believe that passionate political debate is both legiti- mate and necessary. As a La- bour MP, I will always defend the policies and principles in which I believe. Equally, I rec- ognise that the Opposition has the right and duty to scrutinise the government, question its decisions and present alterna- tives. But there is an important dis- tinction between being forceful and being disrespectful. We can disagree profoundly without becoming disagreeable. This responsibility becomes par- ticularly significant during the budget debates, including the subsequent speeches by the Prime Minister and the leader of the Opposition. These are occasions when the country ex- pects to hear competing visions and serious arguments about its future, without unnecessary in- terruptions or confrontations. As deputy government Whip, I feel a particular responsibility in this regard. Together with gov- ernment Whip Naomi Cachia, we have a duty not merely to facilitate our parliamentary group's work, but also to en- courage the discipline, respon- sibility and respect that should characterise its conduct. I am determined to contribute to that effort, and I sincerely hope that our counterparts on the Opposition benches will approach the coming days in the same spirit. Parliamentary decorum cannot be the respon- sibility of one side alone. It re- quires a collective willingness to place the dignity of the institu- tion above momentary political advantage. At a time when political dis- course, particularly on social media, can become increasing- ly confrontational, parliament should demonstrate a different standard. We should show the younger generation that de- mocracy is not about silencing those with whom we disagree, but about having the confidence to listen, respond and persuade Families, workers, pensioners, businesses and young people will be following tomorrow's budget because the decisions announced will affect their lives. They deserve a serious discussion, not political theatre. Finally, I am encouraged that these proceedings will take place under the stewardship of Speaker Carmelo Abela. His extensive parliamentary ex- perience provides him with a valuable understanding of the workings and traditions of the House. I am confident that his reasonable and balanced ap- proach will ensure that the budget presentation and sub- sequent debates are conducted with the fairness, authority and order they deserve. We may sit on different sides of the House and hold differ- ent views about the best way forward. But we share the same responsibility to uphold the dig- nity of the institution we have been elected to serve. That, ul- timately, is the example our de- mocracy deserves. We may sit on different sides of the House and hold different views about the best way forward. But we share the same responsibility to uphold the dignity of the institution we have been elected to serve. That, ultimately, is the example our democracy deserves Finance Minister Clyde Caruana