All Editorials in print today share there views on the proposed economic regeneration plan for Malta, generally sharing a positive outlook with some room for improvements.
The Times of Malta welcomes the regeneration plan announced last Monday as a much-needed boost to the Maltese economy. However it raises concern on the fact that no information was given on how such measures will be financed, with the finance minister insisting that this will be recovered only through economic growth. The Editor highlights the danger of a “money no problem” mindset. It is something Labour had challenged effectively when in opposition. But in the rush to turn the economic lead of the pandemic into the gold of revived prosperity, care must be taken not to risk the long-term well-being of this generation and the next.
Maltatoday also takes a generally positive approach to this plan but insists that discipline and vigilance will remain important as we go forward to ensure the virus remains under control. The Editor argues that it is also time to get the economic wheel turning so that jobs are protected, people can earn a decent living and the country can return to a state of normality. The Editor looks at some of the key initiatives launched last Monday, expressing belief that the recovery plan goes a long way to achieve these objectives.
The Independent welcomes the general gist of the recovery plan, while highlighting a few areas which it considered as disappointing. One major criticism is that the reduction in energy tariffs was not extended to households. While helping businesses is good and will of course preserve and create more jobs in the future, the people do need help now, and one way of doing that would be by reducing energy tariffs. People have taken wage cuts, have stopped taking overtime, have paid their dues to help in these trying times. Creating incentives for people to go out and spend is not enough if they don’t have the extra money to spend in the first place. The Editor also notes that the recovery is based on the “old normal”, rather an opportunity to create something new.
L-Orizzont describes the initiatives launched last Monday as unprecedented. It looks at three different elements included in such plan, namely support to businesses, a push to families to resume their consumption patterns and support to the supply side. The Editorial argues how such a massive investment plan was possible as the country found itself in a strong financial position following the diligence shown in the previous years.
In-Nazzjon takes a critical approach to Government’s plans noting how around 100,000 employees, having already been sidelined during the crisis, were receiving no forms of support. It also expresses disappointment that while efforts at incentivising domestic consumption were prioritised, there is no planning and proposals to entice foreigners to visit Malta once routes are-opened.
