- A measure to facilitate the process for young people who wish to start a start-up will be announced in the coming days.
- Budget 2027 will see unprecedented improvements in social services and an unprecedented reduction in the tax burden
During a conference in St. Julian’s marking the first 100 days of a new government, Prime Minister Robert Abela announced that in the coming days a measure will be announced that will further assist young people who want to start a business.
Dr Abela announced that young people who start a start-up will be provided with a free legal assistance service, while they will be exempt from paying Malta Business Registry fees in the first five years from the establishment of their business.
Prime Minister Abela also announced that the Cabinet has approved an updated strategy on artificial intelligence, after Malta was among the first countries in the European Union to launch such a strategy. “I am so pleased that so many thousands of Gozitans and Maltese have already successfully participated in the AI for All programme. I encourage more people to take this important step,” said Dr Abela.
He also announced that the first budget of this legislature will mean, “Another unprecedented improvement in social services, especially for our elderly and those with disabilities and another unprecedented reduction in the tax burden on parents.”
During his speech, Dr Abela also announced that the Government is in the process of acquiring battery energy storage facilities. “We will be starting the related work that will make our systems more resilient. These are the solutions we are offering, not a lot of populist rhetoric,” Dr Abela said.
Dr Abela also listed the Government’s work in the first 100 days of the legislature, including more access to IVF, a bill to strengthen the fight against inequality, work in favour of persons with disabilities, legal guarantees that parks and open spaces are protected and the reforms being carried out in the tourism sector. He also referred to the reform in planning appeals, mentioning how it was welcomed by virtually everyone, including those who had reservations about it.
He mentioned the investment in swimming lessons for children and how the grant received by severely disabled people who buy their first property has been doubled to €20,000. This is while the first-time buyers’ grant will also start to benefit those who separate or change their property because they need a smaller or larger property.
Dr Abela highlighted the importance of a strong economy as the basis for the country to continue to progress.
“In recent months our economy has continued to grow sustainably, around five times the European average. The wealth created by economic growth is reaching our people,” the Prime Minister continued, citing a European Commission survey which shows that the Maltese people are the only ones optimistic about the economy in the EU.
“Without a strong economy, instead of progressive reforms we will end up in the grip of austerity which is leading to political instability and social stagnation in the countries around us,” said Dr Abela.
Meanwhile, Dr Abela also referred to the fact that from 1 October the Family Court reform will come into effect which will lead to strengthening mediation and better protection of children.
“One hundred days thanks to you where we worked together to overcome challenges and continue on the path of progress,” said Dr Abela.
The Prime Minister concluded by remarking how the first achievements will serve as a catalyst for greater achievements. “Yes, we have great challenges ahead of us, but with your help I believe and am convinced that we will get there,” the Prime Minister concluded.
Also addressing the conference were: George Vella, managing partner of Grant Thornton Malta, Antoine Zammit, architect and director of STUDJURBAN, Isabelle Saliba, a consultant in the field of health specializing in gynaecology, economists Juergen Attard and Jonathan Spiteri, as well as Alistair Degaetano, a specialist in disability policy.
Photo (OPM)
