‘Superficial Fixes & Mixed Opportunities For Structural Change’, Says Partit Momentum

Momentum has described Budget 2027 as containing some positive measures but ultimately failing to tackle what it called Malta's structural, environmental and governance challenges.

The party welcomed measures including lower income tax for couples with children and the reduction in corporate tax to 25% for businesses with an annual turnover below €1 million.

However, it argued that the corporate tax cut should have been accompanied by higher taxation for foreign companies to create a fairer business environment. Momentum also criticised the Government for making no changes to the number of persons of trust employed by ministers.

The party was particularly critical of new measures affecting third-country nationals (TCNs), including the loss of free public transport, the new €400 infrastructure contribution and higher work permit fees. Momentum General Secretary Mark Camilleri Gambin said the measures unfairly target foreign workers who already contribute through taxes and national insurance.

Momentum proposed that the infrastructure contribution should instead be paid by larger employers with a high proportion of TCN workers.

The party also expressed concern about healthcare, claiming the apparent end of the private hospital emergency agreement could increase pressure on Mater Dei Hospital.

Momentum Leader Arnold Cassola argued that the pension increase announced in the Budget was less generous than presented because it includes the annual COLA.

He also criticised the lack of stronger measures to address overtourism, traffic congestion, environmental protection and research investment, while calling for part of the increased tourist eco-contribution to be allocated directly to local councils affected by tourism.

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