Budget 2026: Urgent Priorities Overlooked, ADPD-The Green Party Warns

ADPD-The Green Party’s Deputy Chairperson, Carmel Cacopardo, and Deputy Secretary General, Mario Mallia, today addressed a press conference in Valletta regarding the government’s Budget for 2026.

The party warned that when a country’s budget is shaped primarily with the next general election in mind, it loses direction, and the long-term impact on the most vulnerable citizens is worsened. The government has used this budget to distract the public, dishing out benefits while promoting the narrative that it is designed to kickstart the Christmas season early. While some measures may appear positive in isolation, the wider perspective reveals a political plan that is unclear, unsustainable, and irresponsible.

ADPD-The Green Party emphasised the immorality of burdening future generations with the country’s current financial problems. Continued spending that increases national debt, rather than fostering a culture of fiscal prudence, demonstrates that the government’s policies prioritise short-term electoral gains and unrestrained economic growth at the expense of citizens’ quality of life.

On facebook the party wrote, “The budget has even managed to turn the measure of social justice on its head. While, in general, family support measures are positive, at the same time, in a regressive and illogical manner, the government is offering the greatest assistance to high-income families and the least support to low-income households.”

On a positive note, the party welcomed the government’s acceptance of its proposal to raise the ecotax for tourists, which had previously been set at a negligible level. However, ADPD-The Green Party urged that revenue from this tax should be allocated to local councils to address tourism’s impact, rather than being reduced by €6 million.

Finally, the party criticised the government for ignoring traffic congestion, despite acknowledging its seriousness. The government has avoided implementing the necessary measures due to political concerns, demonstrating a lack of courage to tackle pressing urban issues.

ADPD-The Green Party concluded that Budget 2026 prioritises short-term optics and financial incentives over sustainability, fairness, and the wellbeing of Malta’s citizens.

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