The people’s verdict

Was this Budget a positive one? Kristina Chetcuti took to the streets to get a feel of the reaction and was mostly met by nodding heads.

Brandon Micallef, 17, Għaxaq

“I think it was a good Budget. There’s something in it for everybody. I think overall it was a very positive one considering what the global economic situation is like. Personally, I think it’s good that we get a stipend during gap year.”

Clayton Camilleri, 20, Naxxar

Cigarettes have gone up in price and so have diesel and fuel, so I think that is not exactly good news. But, on the whole, it wasn’t too bad. I won’t complain. However, I’m not sure if it will affect the outcome of the election.

Joseph Pond, 61, Valletta

I am a senior citizen and €4 is not enough for us. We could have been given a bit more in this Budget because, let’s face it, the Government is going to pocket that back from the cost of living.

Joe Borg 72, and Ġanni Vassallo, 68, Valletta

“It won’t affect us much because we are pensioners and so we only got a €4 increase, which won’t make much of a difference. We don’t think this Budget will help the Government in the next election but then we are not really into politics.”

Laura Sammut, 31, Birkirkara

“I followed the Budget through news SMS text messages. It doesn’t really make a difference – what’s done is done. The rise in the price of commodities (cigarettes, fuel and gas, although the latter was not strictly a Budget measure) is going to affect everybody’s life – those who afford and those who don’t. We just have to make ends meet in a different way now.

You can’t decide to stop heating the house because the price of gas cylinders has gone up. You have to do away without other things.”

Adrian Bonello, 35, Pembroke

“From the bits I followed I think it is a very interesting Budget. Let’s hope it will go through, after all. The increase in children’s allowance is certainly positive. I have kids, so that’s helpful.

The tax reduction is also good. I think on the whole there’s a good number of positive things. But we have to see if it goes through or not. If it does, then it will help the Government in the election.”