Building on a sound economy
Gone are those days when we all were apprehensive of Budget Day, when the Minister for Finance used to announce price increases of commodities and other measures, which affected all, but not in a positive way.
R ecent budgets are the total opposite. We are all proud to repeat that this is the second budget without new taxes, tariffs or duties; the third budget with a surplus; the fourth budget with a pension increase and the seventh budget with a decrease in taxes. It is a budget with a projected budget surplus of 1.3% for 2019.
This budget enhances our lives in many ways. It is the result of this Government’s vision for our country, based on a sound economy.
A good and sound economy with a clear vision of what the country really needs, and based on a studied road map, is the correct formula leading to the enhancement of all sectors of the Maltese society. It is pertinent to note that real economic activity in Malta continued to report robust growth rates. In fact, during the first half of this year, real growth was reported at 5.4%.
This budget caters for all, with a prime objective to operate within a fiscal surplus and the inclusion of several incentives and measures intended to alleviate poverty and social injustice.
I will not go into the details of the measures announced, as these have all been reported and discussed, and given a positive outlook from those who really matter. This budget has again contributed to the feel good factor of all.
Allow me to talk shop. This budget again caters for those sectors that are under my responsibility as Minister for Justice, Culture and Local Government. In his speech my colleague Edward Scicluna, Minister of Finance mentioned few of what the Ministry has in store during the coming year.
During the last legislature and during the current one we did our utmost to better and enhance the justice sector with measures taken, reforms and new laws. We are now reaping the fruit of our labour.
However, this budget again proposes other measures and reforms that will continue to enhance and build on what has already been achieved, in the justice sector.
This budget sees several measures that will enrich our culture sector and our national heritage. I am proud of one particular measure, which will continue to contribute to one of our main policies in the culture field, that of making our heritage sites more accessible to the public.
With effect from next year, all students attending schools up to secondary level will be entitled to visit all Heritage Malta sites and museums together with two adults, without paying an entrance fee.
As announced by Finance Minister Edward Scicluna, access will be free and unlimited daily, throughout the year and all children in State, Church and independent schools are entitled to this incentive.
Not exactly budget, but it is a confirmation and goes hand-inhand with the above. This government is determined to continue implementing change and keep enhancing the rule of law.
This week in Strasbourg, I met President of the Venice Commission Gianni Buquicchio. My message to President Buquicchio was clear: This government has already implemented several notable and important changes in the justice sector and is determined to continue with these changes to better and enhance rule of law and democracy.
During the very cordial meeting, whilst thanking the Venice Commission for its work and pledging full cooperation with the Commission in its work, I discussed the request by the Government of Malta for a review with recommendations for the enhancement of rule of law and agreed that this is a positive opportunity to keep strengthening the rule of law in Malta.
The Government has a clear vision for our country as portrayed in this week’s budget. We also have a clear vision to continue on what we have been working on for the past years: enhancing rule of law, transparency and democracy.