Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/208710
22 Opinion maltatoday, SUNDAY, 10 NOVEMBER 2013 A 'Kinder Sorpresa' indeed! Marlene Mizzi A country's annual budget is always an interesting and long-awaited event. It is interesting from an economic point of view, and interesting on political and social level. People are expectant to hear it because it affects all of us, in one way or another. Budgets are in many ways a statement of intent by the governments that present them; the unveiling of their vision for the future of the country. The effects of such decisions are to be felt and ultimately judged by each and every one of us. Scrutiny and criticism – preferably of the constructive type – should be encouraged and welcomed. Ultimately, the most difficult task for the Minister of Finance is that of coming up with a budget for the country which makes economic sense, is sustainable, and attracts the positive reaction of the people and satisfies the EU. Last Monday's budget managed to create such a balance. Many people were in fact taken by surprised by its benevolence. Although such surprise is also an indication of the way previous budgets were perceived and received by the people, the main point this budget puts forward is quite simply that the Labour Party in government is able, and intends to, deliver. Having been elected with such a huge majority in March, meant that the heat was on for the new Labour government to deliver. One of the main differences that Female participation in the work force is still worryingly low, and we must therefore provide our women with all the necessary help that they need in order to be able to enter into the productive workforce one can see from past budgets is the fact unlike previous budgets, Birkirkara Local Council 2nd Floor, Birkirkara Civic Centre, Tumas Fenech street, Birkirkara.BKR 2527 Tel: 21442626/21485041 Fax: 21442644 BIRKIRKARA Email: birkirkara.lc@gov.mt + Nominations for Gieh Birkirkara 2013 Birkirkara Local Council is receiving nominations from the Public for the award of 'Gieh Birkirkara'. This award will be given to residents who distinguish themselves in any camp, be it social cultural philantropic, sport, etc., or who have somehow given their contribution to the locality. Applications are available from the Local Council's Office and are to be presented to the same office by not later than Tuesday, 19th November 2013 at noon. this budget is looking farther than the fiscal year ahead. Many of the measures that have been announced in this budget are measures, the full effect of which will be felt for years to come. One of the measures which, I believe, will have a very important impact not only on the economy but also on the social fabric of society, is the introduction of free child care services for those parents who need, and wish to avail themselves of such services. Female participation in the work force is still worryingly low, and we must therefore provide our women with all the necessary help that they need in order to be able to enter into the productive workforce. Such measures will provide young mothers with an added incentive to join the workforce but will also help them by not putting any extra costs on them. The availability of affordable child care centers were always one of the main discussion topics during seminars which dealt with working women