The Budget for 2015 will introduce reforms encouraging more people to enter the workforce, reward the hard-working and end social benefits abuse, according to Prime Minister Joseph Muscat.
“It is unfair that part of the taxes hard-working people were paying was ending up in the pockets of those who are lazy and do not want to work. This is social injustice and will not be tolerated,” he warned.
“Those who do not want to work or attend training to be in a better position to find a job and who do not help themselves cannot turn to us and expect us to help them,” he added.
What the government promised last year had been largely implemented
Addressing party faithful at Żejtun, Dr Muscat said the Budget could be summed up in one word: optimism.
“We will go to Parliament very optimistic in the knowledge that we are delivering on our promises and will continue to do so. What the government promised last year had been largely implemented and would continue to be implemented and people know this,” Dr Muscat said.
“If one were to ask whether Malta is better than it was 18 months ago, I am certain that the vast majority would agree that this is so, irrespective of political beliefs. We are getting more results than the previous administration.”
He said the Budget would introduce measures vital for future generations and which should have been implemented ages ago.
“The public might not necessarily understand certain decisions immediately but we will be explaining the logic behind them. We will reward hard-working families. This is what the Labour movement stands for,” he said.
The government will be putting forward proposals aimed at strengthening the energy, health and transport sectors.
“We need to tax people but we give much more than we take. That is why we need to abolish the mentality of simply registering for work and then letting the government do the rest. One needs to help himself to be helped,” he said.
He added the government was aiming to create a new middle class with several measures having been introduced in recent months such as reduced tax for first-time property buyers, free child care centres and stable fuel prices, which are lower than the average across EU member states including England and Italy.
Dr Muscat paid tribute to former finance minister Lino Spiteri, who died on Friday, highlighting his contribution to politics and journalism. He described Mr Spiteri as a man of principle, who was willing to take risks and criticise constructively.
“It is ironic that his funeral will be held on Budget Day, which is something on which I often consulted him,” he said.
On a lighter note, he said that, although Federica Falzon had performed superbly in a well-organised Junior Eurovision event in Malta, the fact that she did not win had “saved the country €1 million”.