Budget 2027 set for 26 October, Prime Minister announces

Prime Minister Robert Abela has announced that Budget 2027 will be presented on Monday, 26 October, marking the first Budget of the current legislature following the general election of 30 May.

Abela made the announcement during a discussion titled ‘Viċin Tiegħek’, organised by the Labour Party in Fgura, where he outlined what he described as some of the government’s achievements during its first 100 days in office.

He said the government’s work was aimed at improving the quality of life of the Maltese and Gozitan people, highlighting measures and reforms across justice, education, enforcement, infrastructure and other sectors.

Abela also spoke about the recent court verdict with regards to the Yorgen Fenech trial, and stressed the importance of caution, particularly ahead of a possible appeal by the prosecution.

Abela said the government would implement a reform of the journalism sector “in the near future,” saying the reform would prioritise the protection of journalists.

He said the reform would not include what he described as a “muzzle” proposed by Nationalist Party Leader Alex Borg, who had backed the introduction of a warrant for journalists before later clarifying his position and saying the process should be overseen by a self-regulating council.

Abela said the reform had already been drafted in a Bill and that “it is time to enact it.”

Justice reform was a central part of his intervention, with Abela describing the reforms carried out in recent years as among the strongest in Malta’s history.

He highlighted changes to the judiciary and said the government had relinquished significant powers in order to further strengthen the judiciary.

Abela also referred to reforms concerning the appointment of the Attorney General and the Police Corps, as well as reforms in the media sector and measures aimed at strengthening the protection of journalists.

He contrasted the government’s approach with that of the Nationalist Opposition, accusing Opposition figures of repeatedly attacking the Office of the Attorney General with the support of Nationalist Party leader Alex Borg.

Following the first set of interventions during the discussion, Abela emphasised what he described as the pace of work carried out by the government during its first 100 days.

Education was among the other areas discussed, with Abela highlighting the need for vocational schools and referring to the decision to close such schools, which he said the person responsible for the decision continues to defend.

He also referred to an increase in the allocation given to school heads to support vulnerable children, describing the measure as an example of socialist principles.

On enforcement, Abela highlighted what he said were the results of community policing and increased enforcement in areas most frequented by tourists.

The discussion brought together professionals from different sectors, including education, enforcement, aviation and local councils.

During the closing intervention, Abela said the proposals raised by the different sectors were interconnected, arguing that this was why the government had chosen to invest fully in the areas discussed.

He said that while people could have many plans and aspirations, putting them into practice required a functioning economy.

Abela said the economy would remain strong, following comments he attributed to Nationalist Party leader Alex Borg which, according to Abela, sought to cast doubt on the country’s economic performance.

The Prime Minister also stressed the importance of continuing to assist people in the face of international pressures.

He highlighted the stability of energy prices and said the government’s measures were helping to act as a catalyst in containing inflationary pressures being experienced in other countries.

Earlier during the discussion, Abela had also highlighted a number of projects and investments, including infrastructure, connectivity and healthcare initiatives.

He referred to the fast ferry service and plans to strengthen connections between Sliema, Buġibba and Gozo, as well as work linked to aviation infrastructure, fibre optic cables and the expansion of Mġarr port.

He also mentioned the doubling of emergency spaces and a 130-bed hospital, as well as a €120 million project which he said had been delivered despite doubts that it would be completed.

The Prime Minister concluded by expressing optimism about the future and saying the government would continue working for the benefit of the Maltese and Gozitan people.

RSS Feed Source: Independent Malta Budget 2027 set for 26 October, Prime Minister announces