Budget ‘cosmetic and lacking vision’ – Busuttil
Opposition Leader Simon Busuttil yesterday described the budget document presented by Minister Edward Scicluna as a “cosmetic budget that lacks vision.”
Speaking to journalists following last night’s budget speech, Dr Busuttil told journalists that the public deserves much more. “This is a budget which has a strategy for Comino, but mentions no plan to solve traffic problems,” he said.
“Tomorrow, the public out there will have the same issues as before the budget. People will still be stuck in traffic, Air Malta employees are still unsecure about their future and the people with cancer are still waiting for their medical appointment.”
He said that the most awaited measure – that of having utility bills reduced – did not materialise.
Dr Busuttil said that this government had the opportunity to introduce this measure as it had all the ingredients to put this measure forward. He mentioned how this government had the interconnector, a new power station and even a record price reduction in international price of fuel.
He said that in his three-hour speech, in a 140-page document, Prof Scicluna failed to make any reference to the LNG tanker.
“This budget has failed the Caritas test, and failed to address the issue of poverty. Those in risk of poverty remain as they are, even with a so-called social budget.”
He expressed satisfaction with the fact that the PN has “provided a social roadmap” as the government decided to take on board proposals put forward by the Opposition. He mentioned measures related to rent and sick leave for parents who need to take care of their sick children.
“The budget lacks vision, especially in the economic sector,” he said while saying that Joseph Muscat has made no reference to the middle class.
“We heard nothing on Brexit or on other challenges which are waiting for us on the horizon. The government clearly lacks vision on day-to-day problems.”
Dr Busuttil insisted that with his closest persons next to him opening companies in Panama, the Prime Minister has to make sure to cover things up with cosmetic proposals.