Budget 22: A case for strong leadership

Parliament is back in full swing as the budget for the upcoming year was unveiled earlier this week setting out the government’s economic vision for the future

The national budget is always a crucial time for two reasons. First, because it is the nation’s biggest fiscal exercise which steers the country through a myriad of measures towards a better tomorrow. Second, because we have started to emerge from the shadow of coronavirus. Both beg the question: what sort of country do we want to leave for our children?

The Budget 2022, as promised by the Prime Minister, truly looks like to the future in the sense that it implements measures aimed at fostering a better environment whilst resisting all the temptations to introduce taxes. Instead, it focused solely on reviving growth which was the need of the hour. The government chose to focus on pump-priming the economy, and it is well justified in the times we are living in. Against the backdrop of a fragile global economic recovery and in a world where global uncertainties still exist, this budget strikes the right balance between fiscal stability, social justice, sustainability, and investment.

As a Labour minister, having a social budget is of utmost importance to me. I believe in helping the most vulnerable in our society, affordable housing initiatives and uplifting workers through a sound employment policy. From this point of view, this budget encompasses all these themes and truly reflects the priorities of the government and the people; that of social justice in a country that continues to create new opportunities in a better environment.

Increases in pensions and supplementary aid form a crucial part of this Budget, together with access to more medicines, and more benefits to families having children with disabilities. Renewed investment in social accommodation will also lead to the lowest waiting list in history. Let’s face it, with increased economic growth many were finding it difficult to purchase their own property. Thanks to affordable housing initiatives such as the Equity Sharing scheme and New Hope, many were given the opportunity to make this a reality. Our aim is to leave a Malta where owning a home is a feasible target for more people.

Readers might ask, but what about the budget allocated for national security? Fair question, seeing that I am responsible for this sector. Once again, this budget places a hefty emphasis on our country’s security as the budget is six-times more than that which was earmarked in 2012 under a Nationalist administration. During the pandemic, we relied on our disciplined forces to keep us safe and now more than ever we need to ensure that they are well-equipped to face the challenges they deal with on a daily basis. This budget will allow us to keep investing in new technologies, more training and high-end equipment so as to help our officers be more effective and efficient.

Other new initiatives include our plans to build a new rehabilitation centre in the Corradino Correctional Facility that will accommodate approximately 140 people. This is part of the Ministry’s holistic plan to bolster rehabilitation programmes. The new facility in Corradino would strengthen rehabilitation services through the employment of more medical, psychiatric, and social work professionals. On the other hand, we will keep investing in the Victim Support Agency for it to continue with its outreach programmes and offer hands on support services to victims of crime.

Our work on immigration does not begin and end with the budget. This is a sector that needs constant attention and hard work since the situation can change at any minute. As part of the country’s immigration policies, the Government is committed to closing the Marsa Initial Reception Centre and regenerating the premises for it to be given back to the community. Our vision is to turn it into a community hub where local organisations and young people can frequent it and organize activities. In parallel, we are strengthening the returns unit which was set up earlier this year and led us to achieve a record number of deportations of failed of asylum seekers to their country of origin.

Now more than ever, our country needs a competent Government, with a clear vision, and a united team that can deliver on its promises. Budget 22 has once again shown that the Labour Government is the country’s strongest political force which can deliver stability. We are a government that continues to fight poverty, social exclusion, social justice, civil rights and a better quality of life. With Prime Minister Robert Abela at the helm, this government can build the Malta we want to leave for our children.

“Our aim is to leave a Malta where owning a home is a feasible target for more people.”