Figures issued by the National Statistics Office showed that economic growth was now driven by the public sector, whereas in the past it was driven by the private sector, the Nationalist Party said today.

Referring to statistics for the third quarter of the year, the PN said growth stemming from the public sector, instead of the private sector, had persisted for the past 12 months, casting doubts on whether such growth was sustainable.

The NSO's analysis of wage growth also showed a dominance of the public sector, a consequence of the fact that the government had engaged 4,400 people as considerable cost to the public purse. 

At the same time, the NSO figures showed how certain sectors were in difficulties, such as the manufacturing sector, which had shrunk by 11 per cent, whereas it had grown by 5% in 2012. The decline in this sector, which employs 30,000, was manifested by the drop in exports and imports.

Wholesale and retail trade figures also showed a considerable decline.

The PN urged the governemnt not to ignore these realities and to ensure that the economy and public finances were sustainable. .

The PN statement was signed by Mario de Marco, spokesman on the economy, Tonio Fenech, spokesman on finance and Kristy Debono, spokeswoman on economic growth and competitiveness.