Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi said this evening that the budget was aimed at guiding the economy through a difficult international scenario.

He said this was a budget which took a long term view for the country. It was a budget aimed at sustainability, as well as environmental protection and solidarity.

Dr Gonzi said the budget was drawn up with a great sense of responsibility.

It sought to protect the sectors most likely to face the problems of the current international turmoil, such as tourism.

Dr Gonzi pointed out that this was the third budget in a row in which the government had reduced income tax, leaving more than €150 million in the people’s pockets over the three years.

The cost of living adjustment and other measures were aimed at helping workers without undermining industrial competitiveness, Dr Gonzi said.

He underlined the measures being introduced to encourage training and job creation, as well as the improvement on measures to attract more women to work.