PM Abela Pledges Ambitious, Family-Focused Budget Prime Minister Robert Abela has promised that today’s Budget will include “massive incentives” to help families raise children, while assuring that no new taxes or increases will be introduced. Addressing Labour’s annual general conference on Sunday, Abela said the government is determined to maintain Malta’s strong economic growth as it rolls out an “ambitious” budget. He stressed that the measures to be unveiled today carry great responsibility, demanding sound implementation and fiscal discipline. “We have shown what it takes to sustain Europe’s strongest economy,” he argued.. (Times of Malta)
PN’s Alex Borg Urges Budget with a Social Soul Opposition Leader Alex Borg has called for today’s Budget to go beyond numbers and address Malta’s deep-rooted social issues. Speaking on Sunday, he said that while the Budget supports Maltese and Gozitan families financially, it should also carry “a social soul.” Borg highlighted concerns such as poverty, homelessness, drug addiction and mental health, saying many are struggling to afford a meal or find shelter. He pledged that a Nationalist government would build a new mental health hospital and expand community-based services. Borg also said the PN must not shy away from forward-looking ideas, like the four-day work week, adding that real leadership means tackling issues out of moral duty rather than electoral gain. (Times of Malta)
Greens call for Budget Beyond GDP Figures The ADPD has urged the government to use today’s Budget to deliver “real solutions” rather than relying on GDP as a misleading indicator of success. Party PRO Brian Decelis said the continued focus on economic growth figures ignores vital environmental and social factors. “GDP does not account for clean air, social wellbeing, or the unpaid care work that sustains our economy,” he said. Decelis argued that the government’s reliance on trickle-down economics has failed, calling instead for policies aligned with ADPD’s Green Vision 2050 — an approach that balances economic activity with environmental sustainability. He also expressed concern about Malta’s growing national debt, which he said is increasing by around €4 million every day. (Maltatoday)
Over €17 Million in EU Grants Awarded to Maltese Projects The European Union Programmes Agency (EUPA) has allocated over €17 million in European funds to 196 Maltese projects under the Erasmus+ and European Solidarity Corps programmes. The funding will support initiatives promoting inclusive education, vocational training, digital and green skills, and youth participation. The projects reflect Malta’s ongoing commitment to European values and lifelong learning, offering thousands of citizens opportunities for personal and professional growth. EUPA also announced plans to strengthen its support for Malta’s participation in funds managed directly by the European Commission, creating a dedicated team to attract more resources and align local priorities with European objectives. Erasmus+ remains guided by inclusion, digital transformation, sustainability and democratic engagement. (TVM News)
