UPDATED with PN reaction

Around 70 per cent of Budget measures announced last year have been implemented, according to Prime Minister Joseph Muscat.

This is equivalent to 10 per cent less than what was implemented in the previous Budget, but Dr Muscat said it still totalled to 60 additional measures put in place when compared to the 2014 Budget. It was worth pointing out that this year's Budget is taking place a month ahead of the norm.

A further 15 per cent of the measures are expected to be implemented by the end of this year.

He was speaking ahead of Monday's 2016 Budget presentation.

Finance Minister Edward Scicluna said the Budget deficit had been decreased by a further 69 million euros and the deficit was on track to reach a low of 1.6 per cent of GDP.

The Prime Minister added that this was achieved without any increases in income tax, VAT or other major streams of taxation, while other countries had resorted to austerity measures.

"You fix the roof while the sun shines. We are fixing our economic roof."

In a statement this evening, the Opposition said it expected wealth to be distributed fairly during Monday's Budget, and not shared among the few.

Today, Malta has the highest number of people who are at risk of poverty and hefty fuel prices, as a "clique" of people continue benefitting.

The Opposition said it expected a drastic reduction in fuel prices since Malta is buying electricity at a cheaper rate thanks to the interconnecter and the BWSC power station.