Budget 2026: Momentum Welcomes Positive Measures, Highlights Shortcomings and Urgent Environmental Crisis That Fuelled Protests Outside Parliament
Following the presentation of Budget 2026, Momentum has issued its formal reaction to the government’s latest measures. In a statement delivered by Carmel Asciak, the organisation praised several initiatives while also highlighting what it described as “serious shortcomings” and the government’s failure to tackle Malta’s growing environmental crisis.
Momentum welcomed the introduction of the seven-day bereavement fund for parents who lose a child, calling it a “positive and compassionate measure” that recognises the profound grief such families endure. The group also praised the increase in grants for new births and adoptions, and the €100 monthly rise for Gozitan students studying in Malta.
While the new income tax brackets for parents were described as a step in the right direction, Asciak noted that the €4.66 Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) still subject to income tax was “not sufficient to offset rising food and medicine prices.” Momentum also warned that the pressures on working parents and long hours are taking a toll on mental health and family wellbeing.
On pensions, Momentum acknowledged the allocation of 19.23 cents per week for the 25,000 pre-1962 pensioners who paid the highest contribution rates, but said this still leaves a €41 weekly gap compared to their post-1962 counterparts. It condemned the government’s decision to again leave 50,000–60,000 other pre-1962 pensioners without any increase, calling it “disappointing and discriminatory.”
Momentum expressed satisfaction at the removal of discrimination against 16- to 18-year-olds regarding social security contributions an issue it had long campaigned on. It also welcomed the extension of opening hours at the Qormi and Gżira Health Centres, as well as the introduction of free AI training and subscriptions, saying these initiatives will help bridge the digital divide.
However, the group criticised the absence of measures promoting remote work and flexible hours, arguing that such policies would improve productivity, reduce traffic, and enhance family life. Momentum was also strongly critical of the government’s continued inaction on transport and traffic reform, saying that dismissing a potential mass transport system as financially unfeasible was “not good enough.”
“The government should have already expanded the bus fleet, introduced feeder routes, and improved reliability and frequency,” Asciak said. “Only by reducing dependence on private cars can we make genuine progress.”
In its conclusion, Momentum also referred to the recent public protests against the government’s controversial planning reforms, warning that Malta’s economic progress is being undermined by ongoing environmental degradation.
“The government cannot ignore the clear link between its flawed planning policies and the long-term wellbeing of the country,” the statement read. “True progress must be sustainable, not destructive.”
Momentum representatives were also present at the protest.
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