The majority of Maltese are pessimistic about the coming year, though most are satisfied with life overall, according to a recent Eurobarometer survey.

While 62 per cent of Maltese respondents believe the current economic situation was bad, 43 per cent expect it to be worse in 12 months, with another 35 per cent stating it would remain the same.

Jobs provoked a similar reaction: while the majority (58 per cent) are satisfied with their work, their perception of the general employment situation is different.

Almost half (46 per cent) consider the jobs market to be bad and 26 per cent believe it will get worse.

Only 10 per cent forecast an improvement in the employment situation, and 49 per cent expect no change.

Conducted by Misco in June among a sample of 500 respondents, the survey’s results also indicate the perennial problems people complain about, particularly the rising cost of living and high electricity tariffs.

Interestingly, people seem to be taking political promises with a pinch of salt, particularly those being made by the Labour Party over cheaper energy.

The survey shows that, while 87 per cent of Maltese respondents said the cost of energy was unaffordable, 61 per cent believe things will get worse in a year’s time.

Only six per cent of respondents believe that they will have cheaper energy in 2013.

No less than 86 per cent said the cost of living situation was high, with 62 per cent predicting worse to come.

On a positive note, the majority of respondents were satisfied with the health system, describing it as much better than compared with five years ago.

Eighty two per cent described Malta’s health care provision as good – a much better result than the 62 per cent average obtained in the rest of the EU.

The majority of Maltese respondents – 63 per cent – said their household finances were good.