During the first consultation meeting with one of the social partners in preparation for Budget 2026, Prime Minister Robert Abela reaffirmed Government’s political commitment to continue incentivising small and medium-sized enterprises, which form a key pillar of the Maltese economy.
During a meeting held at Auberge de Castille, with the Chamber for Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs), the Prime Minister stated that Government is committed to implementing its electoral pledge to reduce company tax during the current legislature. He added that Government will also continue sustaining subsidies on electricity bills and fuel prices, which have provided vital relief to families and businesses during times of international challenges.
The Prime Minister reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to present, once again, another strong budget that will drive sustainable economic growth through strategic measures designed to support businesses, cultivate a more attractive business ecosystem, and encourage sustainable and innovative investment.
During the meeting, the discussion focused on the Chamber of SMEs’ Budget proposals, which are built on five main pillars: taxation and finance, governance, the digital and environmental transition, energy, and transport. The Prime Minister thanked the Chamber of SMEs for its proposal and noted with satisfaction that many of the proposals align closely with the Malta Vision 2050. He added that many of the initiatives put forward reflect initiatives which the Government is committed to further strengthening and advancing.
Dr Abela stated that “As a government we are focusing on the creation of careers rather than just jobs. The target of job creation has been achieved, the next step is to sustain it by fostering quality careers that also support job creators in our country.” He added that the Government is determined to continue improving the schemes offered by public entities to attract more high-quality workers and start-ups, while strengthening the skills of the existing workforce.
Recognising that small and medium-sized enterprises are key drivers of Malta’s economic growth, the Prime Minister assured that the Government will remain a strong advocate for fair competitiveness at both European and international levels. He pledged ongoing support for SMEs, including assistance in implementing the digital and environmental transitions, even through the utilisation of European funds.
Also present for the meeting were Ministers Silvio Schembri, Clint Camilleri, Byron Camilleri, Miriam Dalli, Clyde Caruana, MP Cressida Galea, and the Head of the Secretariat at the Office of the Prime Minister, Mark Mallia.
