The Malta Union of Teachers said today that the proposed spending of €362 million on education, announced in the budget yesterday, might not be enough for Malta to become a centre of excellence in education by 2015.

The union said the budget would have been described as cautious and balanced had the government not announced the 'exaggerated and senseless' water and electricity tariffs.

It said that as in the past, it would be middle income people and pensioners who would shoulder most of the burden.

"Although some changes to the tax bands have been made, they are insignificant when compared to what was promised before the general election. The MUT had expected that this budget would at least lighten the burden which everybody will shoulder as a result of the water and electricity tariffs, but this has not happened," the union said.

It added that the budget was positive for the environment, and the raising of the minimum drinking age to 17 from 16 was also welcome.