The Budget live blog, reactions
Live coverage: The Budget live blog, reactions
The event has now ended, here is a transcript of the live coverage.-
Finance Minister Tonio Fenech presents his Budget 2013 speech to President George Abela.
18:37 pm -
And after a 12-minute delay, the Finance Minister starts his marathon Budget speech...
18:42 pm -
Minister talks about the economic disasters which enveloped Europe in the last few years, leading to austerity measures. "We didn't always take popular decisions, but we've always been responsible."
18:47 pm -
Camera zooms in on backbencher Censu Galea, fresh from his University graduation ceremony.
18:48 pm -
Government envisaging growth of 1.2 per cent for 2012.
18:52 pm -
Cost of living increase, as agreed with the constituted bodies, will be €4.08 a week.
18:52 pm -
Unemployment in the EU is 10.5 per cent, in Malta it is 6.5 per cent. More than 20,000 jobs have been created in Malta, minister says.
18:54 pm -
€14 million initiatives for industry will be unveiled in this Budget.
19:01 pm -
During the recession, 15 companies were helped financially, and 5,000 jobs were saved.
19:04 pm -
Meanwhile, in other news, Liquigas just released a statement saying the price of 12kg cylinder has been increased to €20.60 from €19.60. Very timely...
19:10 pm -
Several schemes unveiled to boost SMEs.
19:15 pm -
Allocation to Malta Tourism Authority to be increased to €37 million. "The record tourism arrivals are no coincidence."
19:21 pm -
And the cameras zoom in on independent MP Jeffrey Pullicino Orlando and backbencher Jesmond Mugliett, listening attentively to the Budget.
19:22 pm -
Reduction in tax bills and fees to encourage the construction of more boutique hotels in Malta.
19:28 pm -
Air Malta has been allocated €40m in the Budget to help in its restructuring programme.
19:30 pm -
Application made for European Development Funds for the restoration of Fort St Angelo, which will be opened as an attraction in 2015. Restoration of the fort expected to be completed in 2014 at a cost of €17 million.
19:33 pm -
"Architect valuations for properties will be done by the bank, and no longer by a government architect."
19:37 pm -
Stamp duty on transfer of properties in cases of inheritance from parents to their children will be eliminated.
19:38 pm -
The ceiling of 3.5 per cent stamp duty on property bought by first time buyers will be extended to a value of up to €150,000 from the current €116,468. People who will be replacing their own residence will also be considered as first-time buyers.
19:39 pm -
The first 300 applicants who buy a house from the private sector will qualify for a subsidised bank interest rate of 2.5 per cent for eight years for a saving of up to €14,000 on their loans.
19:40 pm -
Curious statistic: Tonio Fenech has been reading his speech for one hour- and there’s still a way to go. British Chancellor George Osborne delivered the last UK budget in just one hour!
19:42 pm -
Workers who receive less than €300 a week and opt to follow training will be given an extra €25 per week by the Government.
19:43 pm -
Maternity leave to be extended to 18 weeks from 2013.
19:45 pm -
"Government has reduced 17 taxes in this legislature."
19:45 pm -
First reaction from the Opposition benches to the claim of taxes "introduced by Labour".
19:46 pm -
And here's the big one - maximum income tax rate is going to be decreased - as reported in The Sunday Times last weekend.
19:47 pm -
The maximum tax rate will go down from 35 per cent to 32 per cent for those on a single computation for up to E60,000.
19:49 pm -
That's for the first year - for the second year the top income tax rate will go down to 29 per cent and drop further to 25 per cent in 2015.
19:49 pm -
The rate of 35 per cent will apply for those earning over €60,000.
19:50 pm -
Some number crunching - those earning €45,000 will save some €500 next year, €1,000 in 2014 and €1,500 in 2015.
19:51 pm -
The minimum rate of children's allowance will rise from €350 to €450 per child. The allowance will be of €527 for families on the minimum wage.
19:51 pm -
Government planning to build childcare centres in Naxxar, San Gwann, Gzira and Zurrieq. Parents who send their children to childcare centres will continue to benefit up to €1,300 in tax rebates.
19:52 pm -
More initiatives to encourage the use of photovoltaic panels and solar water heaters. Another good Budget for PV importers.
19:55 pm -
And the minister announces a 2c per litre excise tax on fuel. Tax on cement will increase by €5 per tonne.
19:58 pm -
Minister says the €25 million increase in subsidies to Enemalta, given last year, will be retained to keep energy prices stable.
19:58 pm -
Local councils will get an additional €1 million in 2013, increasing the total allocation to €32.4 million.
20:02 pm -
"We will take initiatives to reduce inconvenience in busy construction zones."
20:04 pm -
Registration tax on Euro 5 vehicles is to be reduced by up to 30 per cent but there will be a rise of 10 per cent on registration of Euro 4 vehicles. There will also be a 12.5 per cent tax cut in commercial vehicles.
20:06 pm -
Registration schemes are also being removed for motorcycles up to 250 cc. Vehicle scrappage scheme being retained but reduced.
20:07 pm -
Tax registration on classic cars will be removed - that means you can get a 1980 Ferrari 308 GTSi for as little as €35,000!
20:09 pm -
Take-away pizza make it to The Times newsroom but some journalists wonder whether they should also order breakfast. There are still more than 30 pages of Budget speech!
20:20 pm -
The Government is allocating €250,000 for animal sanctuaries, up from €200,000 to date. €400,000 will be given to farmers as subsidy on animal feed to counter the increase in international prices and control upward pressure on food prices.
20:22 pm -
Budget still going on and the first reaction comes in - Malta Developers Association is happy.
20:25 pm -
People who travel to Gozo and spend at least one night there during the winter will benefit from a reduce ferry fare equivalent to that paid by Gozo residents. The scheme will apply to those who stay in a licensed establishment between November and February.
20:30 pm -
"Government has opened a new school every year."
20:33 pm -
Education budget will reach €390.7 million, up €12 million from last year.
20:34 pm -
Meanwhile, PN supporters' promote the Budget goodies on Facebook. And it's going viral.
20:42 pm -
Health budget for 2013 will go up by €38 million, to reach €465 million.
20:49 pm -
Our car expert informs us: with the announced removal of registration tax on classic cars you can now pick up a 1958 Cadillac for around €20,000. Clarification: You still have to pay registration tax for the 1980 Ferrari 308GTSi, but the good news is there is no road tax, which has been replaced by an €8 fee.
20:54 pm -
Social benefits will increase in line with the cost of living allowances.
20:57 pm -
Expenditure on social benefits will increase by €13.7million for a total of expenditure €787 million.
21:01 pm -
More bad news for cigarette smokers: Duty on cigarettes will rise by six per cent - that means an increase in cigarette prices of between 20 and 30c per packet.
21:02 pm -
Allocation of €300,000 for a new residential home for children so that siblings who need to be put in care are not separated between homes for boys and those for girls. The Government will also allocate €400,000 for a therapeutic facility.
21:06 pm -
To assist pension reform, a scheme is introduced so that parents born between January 1952 and December 1961 will be given a year's accredited contribution per child, or two years in case of a child suffering from disability. This applies to parents who stopped working to care for the child.
21:09 pm -
A stipend is introduced for young people who opt to carry out voluntary work after graduating from tertiary education.
21:10 pm -
"100,000 people in Malta now get free medicine" - and Government MPs applaud. One Facebook user comments: "Doesn't this mean that we have a (very) sick population, or am I missing something?"
21:15 pm -
The €300 annual allowance given to people aged 80 and over is to be extended to all those aged 78 and over.
21:17 pm -
Freudian slip from Minister Fenech: "il-gvern ma xxahhamx" (was not bribed) "ma min hu l-izjed vulnerabbli" instead of "il-gvern ma xxahhahx" (was not stingy). All round laughter in the House.
21:23 pm -
Meanwhile, Government and Opposition prepare for post-Budget press conferences.
21:25 pm -
Users of homes for persons with disabilities and respite centres are to benefit from a tax rebate of up to €2,500 on the fees they pay.
21:25 pm -
Minister rounding up the last Budget speech of this legislature. "The storm around us is still going on, but our country moves on."
21:28 pm -
Two hours and 50 minutes later, the 2013 Budget presentation comes to an end, amid loud applause (and banging) from the Government benches.
21:29 pm -
Highlight of the Budget is the 2008 electoral promise to reduce the maximum income tax rate, although the cut is being phased in over three years. The minimum rate of children's allowance will rise by €100. Few taxes have been increased. Some will say it's an election Budget, critics will say it's too little too late.
21:34 pm -
AD says that despite a number of positive measures the Budget lacks a progressive direction especially for low to mid-income earners.
21:41 pm -
Opposition leader Joseph Muscat says he will reiterates the framework and positive measures of the Budget - and reduce the energy tariffs.
22:03 pm -
"The Budget has forgotten about the middle class, students, pensioners. Only a limited number will benefit from the income tax cuts" - Muscat
22:05 pm -
Malta Chamber describes the Budget as a stable one in the interest of financial consolidation and jobs.
22:13 pm -
General Workers Union says the Government has once again ignored the majority of its Budget proposals.
22:32 pm -
The Times will tomorrow carry a 16-page supplement focusing on the Budget, with detailed analysis and comments.
22:36 pm -
PM says no reason for budget not to be approved.
22:46 pm
157 Comments
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Joseph Fenech
Nov 29th 2012, 09:10
A Budget which is the envy of other European Governments ---- Oh how Portugal, Spain, Greece, Cyprus ( Joseph Muscat favourite place !!) , Ireland and the rest would have given for a such Budget !!!!! Super One followers are advised to visit one of the above countries to see and touch poverty .
j camilleri
Nov 29th 2012, 08:41
The damage has been done and it is irreparable. How could he think that in one day all will be fixed as if nothing happen during their administration. Pensioners still have to try and fit in a standard that is unreachable with their pockets. Wish it was a €500 weekly rise in our pockets ... that would really make every citizen happy :)
Deborah Spiteri
Nov 28th 2012, 22:10
Budget li jahseb ghal bzonnijiet ta kulhadd!! Prosit Gonzipn!
David Magro
Nov 29th 2012, 05:43
Barra tal-middle class! M`hemm xejn gdid....waqt li kien ghaddej bil-budget kien qed jgholli l-prezzjijiet tal-utilities...Gas Euro1 now exceeded Euro20....!!, Duty on Fuel...two things we use daily.
John Zammit
Nov 28th 2012, 22:03
From the reduction inthe income tax only the rich will benefit and those less fortunate will not save a €cent
P. Ciantar
Nov 28th 2012, 22:57
John you took only a small part of the budget. PSthe blue tie Joseph has been preaching about the Middle Class for the last 4 years, so another lp baloon burst.
A budget that as always the PN took care of all classes working middle class pensioners families and even the promise made to the people of Marsascala
Mary Camenzuli
Nov 29th 2012, 14:36
The 'rich' you mention are hard-working people who strive hard in jobs paying what used to be Lm165 a week and who don't get anything from the government but pay pay pay Income Tax.
This budget has given something back to these people who pay thousands of euro yearly in Income Tax, not to mention other taxes, and who people like John Zammit above want to keep taxing them more.
Peppi Borg
Nov 28th 2012, 21:46
A fine PR exercise. A recycled exercise of things already mentioned in previous budgets. A classical pre election budget.
jm busuttil
Nov 28th 2012, 21:56
@ Peppi Borg
Now this is your statement right:
Well we might not have been hearing/reading the same budget. Pity we might would have agreed.
Joseph Gatt
Nov 28th 2012, 22:03
a good budget...a budget which continues on PN's plans to develop our country for the benefit of the people.
J Micallef
Nov 28th 2012, 21:43
Esponent Laburista bħaissa fuq ONE (minn TX):
" Jien kuntent b'dan il-budget għax se jkun Partit Laburista li se jwettqu"
Esponent ieħor:
"Jien kuntent għax il-Min Tonio Fenech adotta xi proposti li qal Dr.Joseph Muscat"
Qed niprova nifhem....
George Cutajar
Nov 28th 2012, 21:52
Did they declare whether Labour will b=vote in favour of the budget that they ae so happy with?
Johan zammit
Nov 28th 2012, 21:41
just hope that even if passed through parliament the EU will not order cuts as id-did last year
Johan zammit
Nov 28th 2012, 21:38
Though it seems like an election Budget it's too little too late as your correspondent had rightly said
George Cutajar
Nov 28th 2012, 21:31
And now we wait for JM and Labour to tell us what parts of the budget they intend keeping and which they will discard although I think that they will have a big problem on the latter part.
We expect JM and Labour to declare publicly what they intend doing with this budget. Will they back it or will they bin it?
Rachel Bugeja
Nov 28th 2012, 21:31
Budget li f'mohhi ma halla ebda dubju...l-ghazla li irridu naghmlu ftit tax-xhur ohra hija Partit Nazzjonalista u dan fl-aqwa interess nazzjonali ghaliex huwa biss permezz tal-Partit Nazzjonalista li jista' jkollna gvern b'vizjoni soda u cara. Il-budget li ghadu kemm ressaq Tonio Fenech huwa turija cara ta' dan.
Joseph Mifsud
Nov 29th 2012, 00:28
Int bis serjeta? Biex nergu naghmlu 4 snin ta swat umbad jipprova jaghmina b'budget hekk???? Le grazzi. U mela insejna li xahrejn ilu il PM qal li jkun irresponsabli jekk inaqqas it taxxa.....u issa naqqasha? Mela allura jew qed jilaq jew irresponsabbli. F idejk l ghazla x inhu.
Oliver Grech
Nov 28th 2012, 21:26
A very positive budget indeed with great responsibility. Well done. This is surely mychoice.
Peppi Borg
Nov 28th 2012, 21:26
The budget lacks a progressive direction especially for low to mid-income earners. - AD
jm busuttil
Nov 28th 2012, 21:31
@ Peppi Borg
Are you sure with your statement?.
Well we might not have been hearing/reading the same budget. Pity we might would have agreed.
Peppi Borg
Nov 28th 2012, 21:36
Dear Mr.Busuttil read well my post. It's the AD's statement and yes I agree. Do you call a 45 000 euro -60 000 euro income average?
jm busuttil
Nov 28th 2012, 21:46
@ Peppi Borg
Yes correct my apologies it's AD statement who are know to make guffs in their statements.
Andre Sammut
Nov 28th 2012, 21:25
This is the direction that our country needs to continue following!
Peppi Borg
Nov 28th 2012, 21:23
We have the third most expensive energy prices in the EU.
Daniela Farrugia
Nov 28th 2012, 21:26
Says who? Joseph Muscat? Or Karmenu Vella?
Gaby Mallia
Nov 28th 2012, 21:32
You're completely wrong. Check this out: http://www.energy.eu/
Austria, Belgium, Cyprus, Denmark, Germany, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Netherlands, Spain and Sweden all have higher energy prices for households.
Ms Rudi Mcbeal
Nov 28th 2012, 22:23
You need to leave the island for a and experience what goes on away from our shores because you have absolutely no idea what you are talking about, Peppi Borg.
Peppi Borg
Nov 28th 2012, 21:19
The people would truly benefit by economic growth not by having Christmas every 5 years! Wages in real terms decresed by over 600 euros in 5 years.
George Cutajar
Nov 28th 2012, 21:18
This budget is not a road map, a wish list, a policy document but a clear, unambiguous ,feasible project for all Malta. It has been crafted by a fantastic team which has once again proved that it has what it takes to lead this country forward..
Olivia Schembri
Nov 28th 2012, 21:17
Jiena kont studenta fl-universita fin-1997 u niftakar sew x'tista ssarraf il-politika tal-PL!
Daniela Farrugia
Nov 28th 2012, 21:20
Anke Joseph Muscat kien student fin-97 pero ma tghallem xejn mill-esperjenza taht il-Gvern tal-Labour!
Oliver Grech
Nov 28th 2012, 21:15
Nemmen li l anzjani rridu niehdu hsiebhom. So thumbs up for the allowance given to them.
S. Azzopardi
Nov 28th 2012, 21:14
A great budget clearly showing that the government clearly has a sense of direction and is all out to help the population. When compared with other budgets presented by governments in other EU countries this budget shows the wisdom with which this government has managed our finances.
Joseph Mifsud
Nov 29th 2012, 00:35
When compared to the other 4 budgets you should have written. Cos this budget is by far the most election oriented budget ever seen. And there is a strategy behind it. If it doesnt pass (cos FD) said so....d PN would say that it wasnt its fault etc
Lino A Catania
Nov 28th 2012, 21:14
Now have to wait EU revision. How much will we have to cut from this Dreamland
Rachel Bugeja
Nov 28th 2012, 21:18
Thats what Labour said a few months ago...and they were proved wrong as Malta was given the green light by Brussels......*yawns at same old Labour negativism*
Rachel Bugeja
Nov 28th 2012, 21:12
Dying with curiosity to see what L-Orizzont shall come up with tomorrow...unless they pull off a One TV and decide to pretend as if the budget never happened.
Daniela Farrugia
Nov 28th 2012, 21:18
Tomorrow's l-orizzont front page: BUDGET TAS-SWAT
robert pace
Nov 28th 2012, 21:19
Well after 4years of starvation and loss of jobs now he comes up with a positive budget and thinks people are so naive and vote for him. Do we really believe that the maltese are so stupid???
C Debono
Nov 29th 2012, 07:10
Dear Robert Pace are you living in Greece or Malta? I only know of increase in jobs thanks to all the international companies that came here over the past 10 years! And starvation?!?! Lol maybe you should leave Malta for a while to understand the meaning!
Alex Pace
Nov 28th 2012, 21:12
Dan il-budget huwa rizultat tal-ghaqal ta' gvern nazzjonalista
robert pace
Nov 28th 2012, 21:20
Ezatt l-ghaqal , min tilef il job zgur bil ghaqal le???
mark borg
Nov 28th 2012, 21:11
bla bla bla Tony knows that if the EU will not shoot it down ...FD definately would .
S Farrugia
Nov 28th 2012, 21:11
Issa b'dawn il-kummenti kollha li hawn, Franco Debono se jivvota kontra? LOL
Ms Rudi Mcbeal
Nov 28th 2012, 21:20
Ma tantx fiha dahqa, S Farrugia. Jekk il-budget ma jghaddix ibati kulhadd, inkluz int.
Kummenti bhal dawn juru il-mentalita ta' xi whud.
Joe Spiteri
Nov 28th 2012, 21:56
(?) S. Farrugia, nahseb li Franco Debono mohhu f'postu u jaf x'ghandu jghamel. Li hu cert hu li m'hux ser jghamel xi haga li tkun la' ta' deni u lanqas ta' tfixkil ghall-pajjizu u huta Maltin. Barra min hekk, nahseb li jekk jivvota kontra, jkun qed jghid bye bye lill-karriera politika tieghu.
Alexia Farrugia
Nov 28th 2012, 21:11
PN = new and better stipends
PL = removal of stipends
robert pace
Nov 28th 2012, 21:21
PN= loss of my job!!!!!!
Oliver Grech
Nov 28th 2012, 21:10
well done for the initiative towards voluntary work.
Nicholas Camilleri
Nov 28th 2012, 21:09
Excellent budget so far!!
Josephine Bugeja
Nov 28th 2012, 21:08
More bad news for cigarette smokers: Duty on cigarettes will rise by six per cent - that means an increase in cigarette prices of between 20 and 30c per packet --> Good......anyone engaging in that filthy habit should be made to pay for it...after all smokers are a burden on the national health bill!
John Zammit
Nov 28th 2012, 21:03
"Malta included in EU list for economic surveillance" Is this going to be said in the budget speech
Jimmy Abela
Nov 28th 2012, 21:02
biex issa ghaxart ijiem ohra ma jghaddix mill-Parlament...
A Camilleri
Nov 28th 2012, 20:59
What does the 30% reduction in Eur 5 new car registration tax translate into?
Oliver Grech
Nov 28th 2012, 20:58
Hekk titlob min gvern responsabli: "Mill-2007 sal-lum il-Gvern ħareġ 22.6 miljun ewro permezz ta lbenefiċċju tal-enerġija. Mis-sena d-dieħla se ntejbu l-għotja li tingħata għall-gass billi din inżiduha minn €30 għal €40. Din hija stmata li tiswa madwar 300,000 ewro u minnha mistennija jibbenifikaw madwar 26,000 familja".
Doris Azzopardi
Nov 28th 2012, 20:55
PN = opportunitajiet
PL = nies bla xoghol
Nicola Magro
Nov 28th 2012, 20:58
like!
Jesmond Rapa
Nov 28th 2012, 21:02
Agreed!
robert pace
Nov 28th 2012, 21:23
PN= Telqet is sea malta,dockyard, l-air malta u wara l-elezzjoni l-enemalta
jonathan saliba
Nov 29th 2012, 08:29
@ Mr Pace , nahseb ahjar issaqsi lil GWU fuq is sea malta!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Jesmond Rapa
Nov 28th 2012, 20:55
Health budget for 2013 will go up by €38 million, to reach €465 million ----> Thats called getting priorities right!
Charles Vella
Nov 28th 2012, 20:50
In nies li hemm fil gvern jafu x'qed jaghmlu u X'SE JAGHMLU... Il Lejber just qal li se jrahhas il kont tad dawl u ilma... lili li noqod attent se jrahhasuli ukoll? Jew rrid inhallas ghal min jahli! Labour ...no thanks! You won't have my vote for sure, even though I was tempted!
John Cassar
Nov 28th 2012, 20:49
This is why PN has been my choice of government!
Joanne Camilleri
Nov 28th 2012, 20:57
same here!
Nicola Magro
Nov 28th 2012, 20:58
Agreed!
Oliver Grech
Nov 28th 2012, 21:08
And will be mychoice in the next election too!!!
Valerie Camenzuli
Nov 28th 2012, 20:48
Dan Tonio Fenech qatali nifsi jsemmi decizjoni tajba wara l-ohra.
Helena Portelli
Nov 28th 2012, 20:47
Results of great PN leadership are showing!
Elizabeth Cassar
Nov 28th 2012, 20:46
Labour Government:
Jew b'xejn jew xejn=closing down of Church Schools
University for those with a Labour membership in the pocket
University with many closed courses
Nationalist Government:
Further investment in MCAST, ITS and University
University bursting with graduates and life long learning students
A new school built every year
Ms Rudi Mcbeal
Nov 28th 2012, 20:44
Budget, xhieda ta' gvern b'direzzjoni, gvern li jinteressah il-gid ghal kull settur tal-pajjiz.
Imbaghad issib nies li jridu jibdlu il-partit fil-gvern ma partit iehor li jidher li lanqas ideja ta'tmexxijja ma ghandu, nofshom kienu jaghmlu parti mit-tmexxija fis-snin tmenin.
Poplu li qatt ma hu kuntent b'xejn.
Mark Anthony Stewart
Nov 28th 2012, 20:43
Another positive initiative!
Josephine Muscat
Nov 28th 2012, 20:37
One interesting historical fact: All government schools were built by a PN government.
John Cassar
Nov 28th 2012, 20:49
big like!
Peppi Borg
Nov 28th 2012, 20:36
The Maltese electorate is going to judge the government on the whole 5 years of its legislature. The average earner gained un bel zero!
Angela Muscat
Nov 28th 2012, 20:41
the income tax reduction propsoed in this budget is geared towards the average earner. Get your facts right!!
Marthese Borg
Nov 28th 2012, 20:41
Please don't insult our level of intelligence. Remember, income tax rates were always reduced by successive PN governments, and mostly by those led by Lawrence Gonzi.
Mr Joe Cardona
Nov 28th 2012, 20:31
Sur Debono taf li ghola il-GAS ghax il-Ministru Fenech dan ma qalux.
U l-petrol u d-diesel x'ghamel? Rahas jew ghola Sur Debono. Imbaghad tghid li budget tajjeb?
Diane Abela
Nov 28th 2012, 20:35
U l-income tax rahset u zdiedet ic-childrens allowance u rahset it-taxxa fuq il-proprjeta u zdiedu l-incentivi biex jinholoq aktar xoghol. Kuntent?
Mark Debono
Nov 28th 2012, 20:41
u l-income tax Mr Cardona?
Mr Joe Cardona
Nov 28th 2012, 20:42
Taf li ic-Children Allowances ghamilhom il-Partit Laburista u meta tela il-PN taht EFA kienet kwazi qaccathom kollha u mhux kulhadd beda johodhom.
Issa gahx waslet l-elezzjoni qieghed irodd ftit minn dak il-hafna li ha lil polu Malti.
L-istorja trid tkun tafa kollha u mhux ghal xi erba snin ilu.
Charles Vella
Nov 28th 2012, 20:42
Sur Cardona Joe, issa se jigi Joseph Muscat u la jiehu over il gvern f'idejh, bin nies taz zmien MINTOFF (scary) il gass, jaghtijulek BLA HLAS ok? Happy? Vote Labour.
Mark Anthony Stewart
Nov 28th 2012, 20:43
xi nghidu dwar it-tnaqqis tal-income tax?
Mr Joe Cardona
Nov 28th 2012, 20:44
Sur Debono.
Il-25 fil-mija taf minn se johodhom hux mhux minn ghandu il-paga minima imma min jaqla aktar minn 40,000 ewruo fis-sena u dan biex johodha ser idum 3 snin.
Imma ghalih malajr ta iz-zieda ta' 500 ewro fil-gimgha minn wara dahr il-poplu malti u l-Parlament.
Jaqaw int taqa taht din il-kategorija li taqla aktar minn 40,000 ewro fis-sena?
Carmel Cuschieri
Nov 28th 2012, 20:45
u l-income tax?
Charles Vella
Nov 28th 2012, 20:45
....to add to my comment, the posts on this glorious newspaper, Mr. Cardona's party had burnt to ruins in the 80's, clearly shows that if a PN government gave him a thousand Euro increase, he will still vote Labour... ghax hekk ghalmuh jaghmel il genituri tieghu! Case Closed!
Mr Joe Cardona
Nov 28th 2012, 20:48
Sur Vella
U bil-qalb kollha nivvota LABOUR u lil Dr Joe Muscat. Le nivvota ghal siehbek li gab lil Malta fuq gharkubtejha u b'ideja marbutin.
Doris Azzopardi
Nov 28th 2012, 20:51
Sur Cardona, hallik minn zmien Mintoff. Issa gej zmien Muscat u ha nkunu aghar minn taht Mintoff.
Ilaria Micallef
Nov 28th 2012, 20:55
qed nara kemm qeghdin nitolbu ghal bail outs mal-pajjizi l-ohra tal-EU...Ma joseph bail out wara sentjen nitolbu!!
Joanne Camilleri
Nov 28th 2012, 20:55
Sur Cardona,
haga nissuggerilek. Ara figuri indipendenti, tal-EU per ezempju, mhux dawk tas-super one!
Mr Joe Cardona
Nov 28th 2012, 20:30
U l-povri 7,000 ruh bla xoghol x'se jiehdu minn dan il-Budget. Bla xoghol kienu u bla xoghol ghadhom.
Ara ghal Ghawdxin haseb. Mela ghadha tezisti id-diskriminazzjoni fi hdan il-PN.
Elizabeth Cassar
Nov 28th 2012, 20:40
This budget is a budget that increases competitivity and encourages economic growth...both things which lead to further job creation. Try and be a bit less short sighted Mr. Cardona.
Mark Debono
Nov 28th 2012, 20:28
very good budget up till now!!
Jurgen Farrugia
Nov 28th 2012, 20:20
A very good budget. Why is the opposition voting against if it will keep its poplar incentives? Is it for political advantage. After all only 3 months are left from the legislature.
S Holmes
Nov 28th 2012, 20:18
This is not a budget. It is a "vote for me speech".
Alex Pace
Nov 28th 2012, 20:13
How can the opposition vote against??
Oliver Grech
Nov 28th 2012, 20:13
Whilst the government continues to assist individuals and increase the budgets for various schemes, it continues also to spend millions to create parks, facilities, roads and also in capital projects for tourism. A great thumbs up for this government unlike those found across Europe.
Ms Rudi Mcbeal
Nov 28th 2012, 20:12
Budget, xhieda ta' gvern b'direzzjoni, gvern li jinteressah il-gid ghal kull settur tal-pajjiz.
Imbaghad issib nies li jridu jibdlu il-partit fil-gvern ma partit iehor li jidher li lanqas ideja ta'tmexxijja ma ghandu, nofshom kienu jaghmlu parti mit-tmexxija fis-snin tmenin.
Poplu li qatt ma hu kuntent b'xejn.
Eve Axiaq
Nov 28th 2012, 20:12
Election budget. Kemm gejjin rigali! Imma rridu npattuh wara tafux jitla min jitla fil-gvern.
Joseph Brincat
Nov 28th 2012, 20:11
just as Finance Tonio Fenech started his Budget speech.
Gas prices rise €20.60 !!!!
Alexia Pace
Nov 28th 2012, 20:11
PN = growth
MLP = taxxi u stagnar (look at figures pre 1987 and 96-98)
glenn mifsud
Nov 28th 2012, 20:10
During the recession, 15 companies were helped financially, and 5,000 jobs were saved.trelleborg was one of those companies but the workers employed that time have again been made redundant or to make it more conservative they had their contract terminated.
J Micallef
Nov 28th 2012, 20:09
Fantastic incentives for motorbike owners and owners of classic cars. Absolutely great. Would have preferred them earlier, but the new classic car fees are much much better.
Way better than when I had to pay Lm 150 (350 euros) road licence for a 1960 classic car.
Oliver Grech
Nov 28th 2012, 20:09
I am looking forward for the labour party reactions. Coz till now I only have heard positive things. This means that a Labour government would keep everything of this budget. So why vote against? Is this in the national interest?
Joe Fenech
Nov 28th 2012, 20:09
Father Christmas is dishing out the present!
Daniel Borg
Nov 28th 2012, 20:08
Is the SUBSIDY OF PV OUT?
Oliver Grech
Nov 28th 2012, 20:07
Surely a budget that also has environment at heart.
Oliver Grech
Nov 28th 2012, 20:07
The PV incentives are a very good both for families to get lower electricity bills and at the same time save our environment for our children.
Felicity Grech
Nov 28th 2012, 20:04
PN = lower income tax rates
PL = new and higher taxes
B. Cachia
Nov 28th 2012, 19:58
The tax cut is a step in the right direction, although far short of the electoral promise. The Government should also seriously consider cutting the top rate altogether, even for those earning above E 60,000, which would be a great boon to SMEs, which are the main generator of employment and economic growth.
Joann Bugeja
Nov 28th 2012, 19:56
This is a very good budget considering all the uncertainties out there...this is a very positive stimulus for the country ! Well done PN!
Nicole Magri
Nov 28th 2012, 19:56
L-iktar incentiva li gvern jista jaghmel biex ihalli aktar flus fil-but hi li jrahhas l-income tax
Pauline Zarb
Nov 28th 2012, 20:04
Nicole....that has already been announced :)
Joann Bugeja
Nov 28th 2012, 19:53
This is a killer budget for PL
Nicola Magro
Nov 28th 2012, 19:59
it is!!
Pauline Zarb
Nov 28th 2012, 19:59
It is a budget that should please anyone who's got the national interest truly at heart!
Alexia Pace
Nov 28th 2012, 20:04
I can't understand how the opposition can vote against this budget!
Oliver Grech
Nov 28th 2012, 19:50
Another electoral promise kept. Well done for the tax reduction which shows that whilst the government keeps its promises, he is still a responsible one.
Maria Farrugia
Nov 28th 2012, 19:49
Aparti li l-Gvern taghna zieda ghal gholi tal-hajja, ha decizjoni li jwessa it-tax bands, jigifieri aktar flus fl-idejn!
J Micallef
Nov 28th 2012, 19:48
Tonio Fenech's experience is finally paying up. The incentives are workable, practical and effective.
Oliver Grech
Nov 28th 2012, 19:47
"The first 300 applicants who buy a house from the private sector will qualify for a subsidised bank interest rate of 2.5 per cent for eight years for a saving of up to €14,000 on their loans" and "Workers who receive less than €300 a week and opt to follow training will be given an extra €25 per week by the Government"...This shows that the government has the low income earners at heart.
Nicole Magri
Nov 28th 2012, 19:46
Ma nafx kif l-oppozizzjoni ha tipprova tiggustifika l-vot kontra dawn l-incentivi kollha!!!
Martina Cachia
Nov 28th 2012, 19:43
Being a first time buyer myself the change in stamp duty is most welcome.
I will be saving more than 1,100 Euros.
M Mamo
Nov 28th 2012, 19:43
Proset! l-ekonomija tikber meta tinvesti mhux b'awsterita' ... qed nahsdu dak l izrajna, hdimna bl-ghaqal biex flok issa nbatu d-decizjonijiet hziena, waqt li kulhadd jipprotesta ghandna lista shiha ta' inventivi!
Nicole Magri
Nov 28th 2012, 19:37
Muscat jaghzel li ma jismax u jivvota kontra!
Marisa Cachia
Nov 28th 2012, 19:37
Finally! Tonio Fenech just announced a reform in the assessment of property value for tax purposes.
Cherise Cachia
Nov 28th 2012, 19:36
And of course on Facebook Forum Zghazagh Laburisti elves are already moaning and groaning on the decision of a private company paying no attention to a budget full of beneficial measures for youths...how typical Labour!
George Cutajar
Nov 28th 2012, 19:29
Keep going Tonio. It would be great if we could have the opinion of the finance ministers from Spain, Portugal and Greece.
Oliver Grech
Nov 28th 2012, 19:26
Although we are already achieving great results in tourism, the government continues to increase the MTA budget. This is a great strategic step. Well done.
Denise Cutajar
Nov 28th 2012, 19:24
Il-pajjiz ikompli jisbieh u n-numri fit-turizmu jkomplu jikkonfermaw dan il-fatt.
Oliver Grech
Nov 28th 2012, 19:22
As a youth who is in the business industry the "Youth Entrepreneurship Act" is another step in the right direction. Looking forward for this.
Christina Camilleri
Nov 28th 2012, 19:20
Mistoqsija zghira hafna....TVM qed ixandar il-budget.....Net TV qed ixandar il-budget.....One TV qisu m'hu qed jigri xejn. Says a lot about who cares about this country doesn't it?
Oliver Grech
Nov 28th 2012, 19:20
Tghid l- MLP is today drafting its electoral programme? Doing some copy and paste from this budget?
Alvin Vella
Nov 28th 2012, 19:24
Copy and paste?
You mean cut and paste.
George J. Marshall
Nov 28th 2012, 19:20
Meanwhile, in other news, Liquigas just released a statement saying the price of 12kg cylinder has been increased to €20.60 from €19.60. Very timely... less €1 from the cost of living
Alvin Vella
Nov 28th 2012, 19:23
Don't worry about it.
Fast forward to 2013 and Labour will offer gas cylinders free of charge courtesy of Muscat and Karmenu Vella.
Maria Farrugia
Nov 28th 2012, 19:29
Mr Marshall, anzi il-Partit Nazzjonalista qied jiehu azzjoni ghal dan it-tip ta gholi fl-affarijiet. Il-Gvern Laburista qatt ma jghid xejn kif se jiehu azzjoni ghal dawn it-tip ta affarijiet li huma gejjin mill-gholi ta prezzijiet minn barra minn Malta
Tony Psaila
Nov 28th 2012, 19:18
Kif tista tivvota kontra din il-lista twila ta' skemi u investimenti??
Rebecca Grech
Nov 28th 2012, 19:14
Dan budget ghall-investiment.....budget li ser jkompli jsahhah lil pajjizna ekonomikament. Grazzi Gvern Nazzjonalista!
Mark Debono
Nov 28th 2012, 19:13
X'kuntrast mal-pajjizi girien taghna!...Portugall, Spanja, Italja, Grecja, Cipru...
Charles Vella
Nov 28th 2012, 19:26
Kieku smajna minn Joseph u ghamilna bhal Cipru, kieku Malta ghanda bzonn bail out!! Dik hi il verita... Labour = mizuri ta awsterita.... And we all know what that means! Mhux qed inbezza, i wish to change government, however not when I know that we have a Mintoffian opposition and an opposition who says will lower utility tarrifs! Sewwa jien naghmel tajjeb ghal min jahli! I've decided! PN it is!
Oliver Grech
Nov 28th 2012, 19:13
It is very positive to hear the government investing always more in SMEs to create more jobs and assist local entrepreneurs to invest even more.
Martin Borg
Nov 28th 2012, 19:10
Minister Fenech just announced an EUR 38 million investment in Malta's BioMalta Campus. WOW!
Maria Farrugia
Nov 28th 2012, 19:09
Hub ghal-loghob digitali biex jinholoq aktar xoghol
Matthew Cordina
Nov 28th 2012, 19:07
L-investiment dejjem ikompli jizdied. U Muscat ikompli ma jghidilna xejn fuq il-pjani tieghu.
Victor Calleja
Nov 28th 2012, 19:19
Stenna siehbi . Kemm ghandhekk aggla. Qalek tonio fenech min fejn se jgib il flus .
Jason Zammit
Nov 28th 2012, 19:37
Sur victor calleja, daqs kemm qalilna Joseph Kif ser irahas idawl u lilma ux......u halina siehbi
george grech
Nov 28th 2012, 19:39
@victor
Mill ewropa Li ma ridtux.......
Matthew Cordina
Nov 28th 2012, 19:39
L-ekonomija qieghda tikber u tiggenera iktar flus...mentri Muscat xorta ghadu ma qalilna xejn.
Maria Micallef
Nov 28th 2012, 19:07
I'm eagerly waiting for Labour's reactions to this budget. They will probably tell us that we'll have to wait for their Electoral Programme, the one Karmenu Vella is patiently drafting.
Oliver Grech
Nov 28th 2012, 19:06
This is what a good government does....assist companies and saved over 5000 jobs...that is 5000 families. U mela reducing the water and electricity from whom those who waste more would benefit more.
Lara Caruana
Nov 28th 2012, 19:02
The country is moving on the right track. This budget is confirming this.
Frederick Dalli
Nov 28th 2012, 18:55
Looks like this will be one hell of a good budget.
And Muscat is nowhere to be seen.
Josephine Bugeja
Nov 28th 2012, 18:59
Muscat keeps proving that his leadership skills are just about as rock solid as a sand castle on a windy and rainy day!
Rebecca Grech
Nov 28th 2012, 19:13
Muscat......il-paroli facli taghmlu...l-fatti aktar difficli....il-Gvern ta' Gonzi gab il-fatti...u l-Labour x'ser jgib?
Oliver Grech
Nov 28th 2012, 18:53
Dan huwa gvern li gab rizultati...fejn filwaqt li pajjizi ewropej mhux qed ibasru tkabbir...ahna hloqna xoghol, investiment gdid u qed nbassru aktar tkabbir fis- sena li gejja.
T Gauci
Nov 28th 2012, 19:55
Cajta sabiha, ghalik lewropa tikonsisti spanja u il grecja biss, pajjizi bhal lolanda, lussemburgu, norvegja ma jezisitux ghalik
Carla Micallef
Nov 28th 2012, 20:16
kulhadd jitkellem fuq il-krizi fl-ewrosistema...u pajjizna miexi l-quddiem
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