77% of the Budget measures were implemented in 2022. This resulted from an exercise carried out by the Public Service and which was published with detailed progress on all budgetary measures.
The Head of the Public Service, Tony Sultana, explained how this monitoring exercise shows that, in total, 324 measures were implemented this year. This also includes measures from previous budgets which were finalised this year.
The implemented measures include new health centres; more free medicines; community policing in more localities; new green spaces; increased student stipends; free public transport; increases in pensions; and reductions in income tax rates for part-timers.
Minister for Finance and Employment Clyde Caruana said that the Budget measures for 2022 were implemented against a background of significant challenges due to the Russia-Ukraine War. He said that in international markets, energy prices have risen disproportionately. He mentioned what is happening in Malta’s neighbouring country – Italy, whereby Italian families are expecting their energy bills to reach €4700. In Malta, this reality does not exist as the government is intervening strongly and is taking this burden off the Maltese and Gozitan families.
The minister stated that the government is not only protecting but also assisting families. He said that in the next Budget, the second cost of living mechanism will be introduced for low-income earners. The Maltese Government is assisting its people while shielding the economy from external blows.
Minister Caruana said that despite all the challenges, in 2023, the Maltese economy is expected to continue growing, and this proves that the implementation of government policies is having a positive effect on our country. If the government had not intervened during such challenging months, the country’s economic situation would not have allowed all these measures to be carried out.
Tony Sultana, the Principal Permanent Secretary, stated that the public service is not only efficient but also effective as a result of this monitoring and implementation exercise. He said that this year’s implementation rate was amongst the highest in recent years, despite this year’s challenges, including a general election and subsequent changes in portfolios.
Once again, Budget 2022 measures have been aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development targets, whereby Malta currently occupies the 33rd place out of 163 countries.
The publication ‘Twettiq tal-Baġit 2022’, issued by the Office of the Principal Permanent Secretary, can be read here https://publicservice.gov.mt/en/Documents/Twettiq_tal-Bagit_2022.pdf.
