Maltese pessimistic about their futures
Some 86 per cent believe the cost of living is high.
The majority of Maltese are pessimistic about the coming year, though most are satisfied with life overall, according to a recent Eurobarometer survey.
While 62 per cent of Maltese respondents believe the current economic situation was bad, 43 per cent expect it to be worse in 12 months, with another 35 per cent stating it would remain the same.
Jobs provoked a similar reaction: while the majority (58 per cent) are satisfied with their work, their perception of the general employment situation is different.
Almost half (46 per cent) consider the jobs market to be bad and 26 per cent believe it will get worse.
Only 10 per cent forecast an improvement in the employment situation, and 49 per cent expect no change.
Conducted by Misco in June among a sample of 500 respondents, the survey’s results also indicate the perennial problems people complain about, particularly the rising cost of living and high electricity tariffs.
Interestingly, people seem to be taking political promises with a pinch of salt, particularly those being made by the Labour Party over cheaper energy.
The survey shows that, while 87 per cent of Maltese respondents said the cost of energy was unaffordable, 61 per cent believe things will get worse in a year’s time.
Only six per cent of respondents believe that they will have cheaper energy in 2013.
No less than 86 per cent said the cost of living situation was high, with 62 per cent predicting worse to come.
On a positive note, the majority of respondents were satisfied with the health system, describing it as much better than compared with five years ago.
Eighty two per cent described Malta’s health care provision as good – a much better result than the 62 per cent average obtained in the rest of the EU.
The majority of Maltese respondents – 63 per cent – said their household finances were good.
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joseph saliba
Oct 2nd 2012, 16:38
Influenced by recent surveys re majority political leanings??!
Saviour Cachia
Oct 2nd 2012, 15:04
@C Bartoli & Joseph Cauchi Senior
You are already counting your eggs before they are hatched. Are we to have a replica of 1981? You are all prophets of doom, because you are indoctrinated that God gave the divine right to the Nationalist Party to govern this l-art helwa. You have your opinion, i have my trust in Joseph Muscat and his Labour Movement and we gofrom here. You seemed already to have thrown the towel for the next coming general elections, though you trying all to recover. Will there be another Mistra this time, or are you seeing your salvation in the minimum wage? Let each party adopt its strategy and the electorate is free to choose. Always the same tactics of scaremongering. You never say that you found Lm400 million in the coffers when the PN was elected in 1987, despite Malta was burning at that time. Let us wait and see. In case the PN loses, you have to adapt to the situation, by now we got used to it and knows Gonzi PN style, hopeless and hefty burdens.
C. Bartoli
Oct 2nd 2012, 15:59
it is history repeating itself and this is not a replica of 1981 but a replica of 1996-1998. Alfred Sant promised that if he gets in power he will remove the VAT and told his supporters to throw away the cash register and so he did, however he had to introduce a tax that he or his ministers did not even know how it works. 2012 and Joseph Muscat is promising to lower the utility bills and unless Joseph Muscat comes out loud and clear of how much the decrease will be and when in force, the people will not pay their bills until the two questions are answered!
The longer Joseph Muscat lingers on this question, the more catastrophic the economic situation becomes with the consequence of EneMalta’s bankruptcy!
Joseph Cauchi Senior
Oct 2nd 2012, 17:06
@ Saviour Cachia,
So it seems that since Joseph Muscat cannot tell us HOW MUCH and WHEN in force; then perhaps you can kindly give us the courtesy by telling us yourself, if you know of course!
As otherwise, there is no other solution than the BANKRUPTCY of EneMalta is guaranteed under Joseph!
JC.
Victor Vella
Oct 2nd 2012, 14:51
This is the insecurity that the Maltese is living in. For the PN it is a taboo. The PN is filled with taboos. The first one was the divorce law, where the people said yes and Gonzi the bully said No. The same regarding security. GonziPN say No, but people are saying yes. For sure GonziPN won`t work.
C. Bartoli
Oct 2nd 2012, 16:22
@Victor Vella, Gonzi was against divorce but passed the law without any hesitations. Joseph Muscat still believes that the maltese people voted against malta joining the EU, If it was for Joseph Muscat we should follow the cypriot economy.
Joseph John Camilleri
Oct 2nd 2012, 17:29
Dr Gonzi had every right to personally vote against divorce like every other citizen. This was a non binding referendum. The insecurity is that we are abandoning God for materialism and anything that we can grab on and egoism, living beyond our means and personal financial mismanagment. Does super 5 ring a bell?
pat muscat
Oct 2nd 2012, 19:55
@ Victor Vella.
You forgot to mention that GonziPN thinks that gay rights are a taboo!
When the Times of Malta reporter asked questions about gay rights during the 'Independenza' talks, the people cheering Dr Gonzi booed: Dr Gonzi did not even have the decency to scold them or to shut them up as if it is the natural thing to do to boo when gay rights are talked about! This is an 2012 taboo we are talking about!
pat muscat
Oct 2nd 2012, 14:21
I think that Dr Gonzi could be included in the survey of those who think that the cost of living is too high: that is why he awarded himself 500 euros behind our backs: even before he got us in this mess!
joseph saliba
Oct 2nd 2012, 16:40
Who does not? I mean throughout the globe.
vincent a galea
Oct 2nd 2012, 13:55
With a political party auguring
"FUTUR LI JAGĦQQADNI"
but continually preaching a
"PRESENT LI JIFRIDNA"
full of DOOM and GLOOM,
what do we expect...... !!!!!!!
victor bonello
Oct 2nd 2012, 13:28
to make any sense such a report must also give the number of individuals interviewed, their social status and age groups.
Peter Murray
Oct 2nd 2012, 19:13
At last Victor a voice of reason and commonsense but you forgot to mention a more accountable and representative number of respondents than 500.Dont you-like me- feel isolated sir?
R. Farrugia
Oct 2nd 2012, 12:31
It's unbelievable how in this country it all turns down to politics. - Having said so, for sure they carry part of the blame but let's be realistic and start facing problems sensibly instead of pointing fingers at each other.
Yet again, whoever is elected would not make much of a difference, it's still the same country, same man-power, same resources and same assets. Are there really people who still believe that electing one cabinet rather than the other would change the whole world?? It's only a matter of which issues take priority and in which order they are executed, but at the end we are all on the same island aren't we?
It's not only the MP's we should be looking at, but also all the civil workers and all the protagonists working behind the scenes draining funds recklessly (some simply through wages for work never performed) and whoever administers such public funds (and no I'm not referring only to the treasury dept.)
Mr Tony Gatt
Oct 2nd 2012, 13:56
Carrying your argument further, who needs M.P.'s? Malta is run from Brussels anyway.
A Cachia
Oct 2nd 2012, 11:54
The majority of the Maltese are just passive and cannot think on their own....
Politics and the church sucked their brain dry....
fred sammut
Oct 2nd 2012, 12:47
Most intelligent comment for decades......... WELL DONE !!!
Ghalkemm back to sqaure one politics........... Mintoff kellu glieda harxa ma minn kellu l kontroll u l biza ta Alla
gholkemm ukoll smajt hafna kontrieh meta kont zghir.... illum nghid li kien musmar kbir ghal knisja!!
Carmel Serracino-inglott
Oct 2nd 2012, 13:51
Do not be foolish. It is practically all the same in the western world. People ( we) are divided into 2 First those who are led by their noses and Second those who think. As years go by the second group is becoming larger and larger. The Church has nowadays nothing to do with brainwashing on the contrary our church is really modern. Politics on the other hand is a bit dirty especially when elections are on the horizon.
Joseph John Camilleri
Oct 2nd 2012, 17:33
Mr Sammut il-bizgha t'Alla ma jfissirx li tibza', jew titwerwer minn Alla, imma li tghix hajja tajba u taghmel dak li jrid Alla minnek bhala nisrani.
Daniel Borg
Oct 2nd 2012, 11:38
Taf xnaf jin, li qabel tela gonzipn, qal li min 2010 malta ha tibda dahal iktar mili tohrog ujispica d defecit, it taxa min 35% ha tinzel 25%, xol garantit al hadima tal airmalta, tal go, tat tarzna, kaccaturi mux ha jkolom problemi, etc... U dawn huma kolha ittri li ntbatu d djar tan nies, u il legistratura waslet bix talaq u gara kolox il kontra,
Lil min tafu issaqsix ghalih..
Saviour Cachia
Oct 2nd 2012, 11:37
Everybody has the right to interpret a survey the way he/she sees it. There are many factual points to ponder. Obviously being a Labourite I would not think I will be worst with a new Labour Government. After all it is about time we have a change in administration in Malta and Gozo, witnessing the chaotic episodes being taken place in Parliament. Some respondent depicted that a Labour victory will be doomsday. I see things otherwise and I am heartened by the fact that I happened to have lived the 1971-81 period and know the social conscience of a Labour Administration. Everyone that took part in the survey showed his/her feelings. I am showing mine. I am convinced with a new Labour Administration, Malta and Gozo will have a break and be better. Better Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi call it a day and call these blessed general elections and then we move according to the wish of the whole electorate of Malta and Gozo not just a sample of 500, no matter how indicative it might be.
C. Bartoli
Oct 2nd 2012, 12:54
@ Saviour Cachia don't forget that the new MLP is made of the same member of the parliament that were in power between the 1971and 1981. In my opinion history will repeat itself, just like what happened in the 22 months of labour power in 1996. The promise this time is not the removal of VAT but the reduction in the utility bills. If the MLP is in power he better reduce the bills quickly otherwise the maltese will resort to waiting for the reduction and not pay there bills. Enemalta will have no cash and the MLP will have to either increase the taxes or ask for a bailout from EU.
Joseph Cauchi Senior
Oct 2nd 2012, 13:59
@ C. Bartoli,
This is exactly what will happen.
Unless Joseph Muscat comes out loud and clear of HOW MUCH the decrease will be and WHEN IN FORCE, the people will NOT pay their bills until the two questions are answered!
The longer Joseph Muscat lingers on this question, the more catastrophic the economic situation becomes with the consequence of EneMalta’s bankruptcy!
Joseph Muscat is playing with Malta’s future!
Should we just let him carry on or should we stand up to him?
JC.
Joseph Grech Attard
Oct 2nd 2012, 11:21
Most are disillusioned and pessimistic because the "money no problem" and "anti-corruption" politics failed miserably, and in fact we have spat to the sky and it has now splashed in our faces and blinded us of the reality which has crashed upon us. We have been led, blindingly, to the depth of a gutter. Every point in life is foul-smelling.
Shirley Dalley
Oct 2nd 2012, 11:02
S.A.D. - Gt Britain
Having recently visited Malta for a lovely weeks holiday, I was saddened to see how much the price of the various Maltese Glass has increased. In all past visits I have managed to take at least one piece back at a reasonable price but this time it was beyond my pocket to justify purchasing. So, sadly I returned with a few calenders only to remind me of my visit. The tourists are being hit too.
R ferriggi
Oct 2nd 2012, 10:43
THE GOOD (SIC) THING IN ALL THIS IS THAT THE MALTESE ARE TRUSTING THEIR MEMBERS OF PARLIAMENT LESS AND LESS.
I SEE THIS ONLY AS GOOD NEWS.
THE POLITICAL CLASS IN MALTA HAS LET US DOWN...... THIS IS WIDELY AKNOWLEDGED NOW.
Alex Falzon
Oct 2nd 2012, 10:35
Imma kif dahlet il-politika fuq semplici survey... li ma jiswa xejn
Peter Bonello
Oct 2nd 2012, 12:50
ovvja habib, il Politikanti li jmexxu - id decizjonijiet taghhom taffetwa direttament l ekonomija - int bis serjeta!!
Mr raynond ciancio
Oct 2nd 2012, 10:12
I'm amazed about how many maltese people have become psychic, they seem to preview of what is going to happen if labour is elected, don't be so narrow minded, we cannot get into a worse situation that we are in already, the only way is up. give the man a chance,
Nicholas Borg
Oct 2nd 2012, 10:25
Are you serious? Just look at Italy, Greece, Spain, Ireland and Cyprus. One bad decision in the management of our finances and believe me, we will easily find ourselves be in a very BAD situation.
ANTHONY PAVIA
Oct 2nd 2012, 10:51
Mr Borg, do you remember the names of the countries we were asked to look up to in 2004?
Gordon Farrugia
Oct 2nd 2012, 11:11
'One bad decision in the management of our finances and believe me, we will easily find ourselves be in a very BAD situation.'
Someone has his head dug deep right there in the sand me says. Wrong decisions have been taken for a long, long time. There are EUR 6,000,000,000 of wrong decisions brought around by the current administation and it is useless trying to point fingers elsewhere.
A Trapani
Oct 2nd 2012, 11:12
@ Pavia, we do remember that we were asked to look up to Ireland by Gonzi when Ireland was one of the best examples benefitting from EU funds and when Ireland was booming in economy and converting many of its old disasters roads into newly built networks with the help of EU funds. What happened after, due to mismanagement, we all know too.
Then again, we also do remember that Joseph Muscat suggested we follow Cyprus' politics in order to advance and be successful. What happened to Cyprus, we all know too.
Mr Tony Gatt
Oct 2nd 2012, 11:58
Wait till the euro goes belly-up!
Mr Tony Gatt
Oct 2nd 2012, 12:02
@ A Trapani
What happened in Ireland is what is going to happen in Malta- massive overbuilding caused the banks to overlend, then they had to take on worthless properties when builders went bankrupt, then the Irish government foolishly undertook to service all the debts.
Then Ireland had to go for a bailout to the E.U. You can buy a nice flat in Ireland for €50,000.
Joseph Cauchi Senior
Oct 2nd 2012, 09:58
“What you see is what you get”!
Yes, what do I see?
I see an aspiring pompous fellow who wants to become Malta’s Prime Minister before he turns 40, manipulated by the old dinosaurs of the ‘70s and 80’s and promising to all and sundry all the goodies on earth as long as he gets their votes!
Yes, what do I get?
I will be getting a ‘time-bomb’ that will return me back to the future of wage freezes, time-off-in-lieu, unemployment, uncertainties etc…; in other words back to Mintoffian Economics!
I would rather not see and not get what our future PM is advocating!
JC.
Tony Camilleri
Oct 2nd 2012, 10:06
Easy, emigrate like the Labour supporters were forced to do under the PN in the 1960s.
P Bonnici
Oct 2nd 2012, 11:16
Tony Camilleri, forced to emigrate? Really?
Were the Italians, Greeks and Portuguese also forced to emigrate to Australia, USA and Canada? I wonder why?
Peter Bonello
Oct 2nd 2012, 12:54
i already have a wage freeze and bieng paid in time-off in lieu under Gonzi PN so nothing new!! Open up your mind, stop saying exactly what gonzi is telling you!!
Mark. Galea
Oct 2nd 2012, 09:53
5 years of famine following 25 years of plenty ... the people have correctly interpreted that austerityPL will be in government soon.
C Borg
Oct 2nd 2012, 10:15
Can you please explain how 62% of respondents of this survey foresee 5 years of famine due to austerity PL yet they are still going to vote for PL to govern?
Mark. Galea
Oct 2nd 2012, 10:28
dear C Borg
have you never read Aesop? His stories are full of wisdom. In this case, read the story - the frogs who desired a king. You will then understand why PL will be voted in power.
C Cassar
Oct 2nd 2012, 10:38
many of them would be better off with 5 years of famine as Malta is still the most obese nation in Europe.
Peter Murray
Oct 2nd 2012, 11:10
Dear Mr Borg,,
This 62% figure merely reflects a grand total of 320 people out of the entire Maltese population .May I suggest you take these conclusions with a bucket of salt!
Anthony Scicluna
Oct 2nd 2012, 14:36
@ P Murray
And that, assuming those 500 represent a cross section of the population. I'm building a salt pan, want to help?
anthony sultana
Oct 2nd 2012, 09:50
For me the current economy is close to perfect,the energy bills are expencesive yes , but only if the person himself or herself are without natural energy,like the old people or the sick.Matese islands are so tiny that one don't need much energy to live .
Peter Bonello
Oct 2nd 2012, 13:43
are you for real?
C. Bartoli
Oct 2nd 2012, 09:42
The maltese are already feeling the austerity that the MLP will bring once it is in power.
Mark. Galea
Oct 2nd 2012, 09:40
PL will win next elections, and then things will REALLY get worse - especially for jobs. The cheap energy bills is a farce and the threat of freezing wages reminiscent of the golden 70's robin hood methods (if you are old enough, you can understand the term robin hood politics).
Bad luck we will lose 5 years to a wannabe youngest PM.
Marco Galea
Oct 2nd 2012, 09:34
of course, they can smell Labour will be elected ... don't blame them
Tony Camilleri
Oct 2nd 2012, 10:08
They are smelling the disaster which the EU is going to get into which is going to be much worse than presently.
C. Bartoli
Oct 2nd 2012, 12:13
@Tony Camilleri...under the MLP, just like Spain, Italy Cyprus... Joseph Muscat said a couple of years ago that we should adapt the same economy as Cyprus. God forbid that he will be in power. We will be asking for a bailout in less than 2 years time. A lot of promises before the election and than taxes galore, just like what happened to the french!
Peter Murray
Oct 2nd 2012, 09:24
Here we go again with false and misleading percentage-only figures .What is seldom shown is the fact that only 500 respondents (not shown again)answer these surveys yet all of a sudden this mere snapshot and straw poll of Maltese opinion represents the views and opinions of the ENTIRE Maltese population - but showing a percentage figure of 62% for example is much more dramatic and impactive -and misleading-than stating this only actually represents 320 people (62% of 500) out of 350,000 thousand .Why not show that percentage?
Mark. Galea
Oct 2nd 2012, 09:51
Peter, you seem not to grasp the methods and mathematics used in surveys. When well conducted, it shows a true picture of what actually is. If you do not believe it, then it is your problem.
Let me give you an example - after any election, a sample is taken from each box and checked. The result is nearly always correct to a +/- 2%. Should we stop doing that since you have deemed that a sample does not represent the whole population?
Peter Murray
Oct 2nd 2012, 11:07
Dear Mr Galea,
Thanks for educating me whilst pointing out my lack of not grasping the methods and mathematics(in which I have a Masters degree-but that is digressing) used in surveys.How is conducting a survey with only 500 respondents classify as a "well conducted "one and moreover,how does it represent a "true picture of what actually is"?This is your incredulous belief apparently andf therefore your problem is disingenuity and gullibility.And the answer to your last question is ..yes- as it is also not proportional representation.So just to be clear are you telling me and everyone else that a survey's findings of 500 out of 350,000(what percentage does this reflect) is a true picture of what actually is and that this is well conducted (how would you-the survey oracle- know this in any event and who were these respondents and who or what sections did they represent in society?)Also ,I say again, percentages do not reflect an accurate figure of views or opinions and that is why actual numbers are not supplied as they are less impactive or sensational.
S. Calleja
Oct 2nd 2012, 13:17
Dear Peter, I can tell that your Masters is definitely not in statistics and probabilistic theory.
Mark. Galea
Oct 2nd 2012, 13:34
@Peter Murray
nice degrees (admit I do not have masters in mathematics). However, since I read your blogs a number of times and know your reasoning, I tend to think that statistics produced by by you tends to have a large MLP bias. By the way, got any stats on the future of the sterling vs euro rate?
Joseph Camilleri
Oct 2nd 2012, 13:45
@Peter Murray: 500 respondents on a population figure of 350,000 has a margin of error of between 4 and 5%. You are right.. there is no guarantee that the survey was done well.. but neither is there anything to suggest that it hasn't been carried properly either. If anything, given that it has been carried out by MISCO which is a reputable and experienced company, one has to assume that it has been done properly and is therefore scientifically correct. If this is the case, then it is representative and 62% of 500 will also translate to 62% of 350,000.
Anthony Scicluna
Oct 2nd 2012, 14:41
Mark, Peter has a point. On what basis do you claim that the sample is well constructed and conducted?
Please choose the reason of your report below: