The majority of Maltese are optimistic this year will be a positive one both for the country and on a personal level, according to the results of a new Eurobarometer survey.

At the same time, people seem to be rapidly losing their trust in politicians, including the government, which has seen its credibility fall to 48 per cent from 59 per cent in May.

The latest EU-wide survey, conducted twice yearly, was held in Malta by Misco during the first two weeks of November – incidentally during the same period when the government presented the 2014 Budget. 500 scientifically selected respondents took part.

71 per cent, described the current state of the economy as being in good shape, an increase of nine per cent over spring. 42 per cent are expecting the economy to be even better this year, an increase of seven per cent.

While in May, 59 per cent of respondents said they trusted the government, the level of trust in November was down to 48 per cent.

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