The public service wage bill has increased by €25 million in the first half of the year, leading to an alarming rise in the deficit, the Nationalist Party said yesterday.

In a statement, the PN hit out at the government for being unable to rein in spending in spite of its pledges to keep public finances under control.

It added that in the last year some 1,500 people had been put on the State payroll.

This may lead to further action from the EU which has already warned Malta to lower its excessive deficit and debt levels, the PN warned.

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