“This Budget Ignores Malta’s Real Problems” — ADPD Chairperson Sandra Gauci

Following the presentation of the 2026 Budget by the Labour Government, ADPD Chairperson Sandra Gauci shared her reaction in an interview with Malta Daily, describing it as a Budget that contains positive measures but fails to address the country’s most pressing long-term challenges.

“It’s a Budget with some positives,” Gauci said, “but it doesn’t look at the real problems that Maltese people are facing — issues that cause real pain, like overpopulation and traffic. These were barely acknowledged.”

Gauci argued that while the government announced several forms of financial assistance, the focus was largely on short-term spending rather than sustainable solutions.

“They’re distributing a lot of money — but for their own reasons,” she continued. “The problem is that it’s not being done with a long-term vision. Not even the country’s large national debt seems to be part of the serious discussion.”

Despite her criticism, Gauci acknowledged some positive measures that she believes will make a difference, particularly the financial aid for Gozitan students and tax incentives for families with children.

“Those are good steps,” she said. “Helping students from Gozo and offering fiscal incentives to families are meaningful measures that can provide real support.”

However, Gauci was quick to highlight what she sees as major blind spots in the government’s approach — especially the lack of attention given to single individuals and those living in poverty.

“People without children, single people, and especially those living on very low incomes are being left behind,” Gauci explained. “I know people living on €400 to €700 a month — they can’t even afford to repair their homes, even when government aid covers 50 or 60 percent of the costs. These are the poorest of the poor, and they’re being forgotten.”

The ADPD Chairperson also expressed disbelief at the announcement of the ‘fish in schools’ initiative, saying that both teachers and students saw it as a joke.

“When I heard that, I thought it was a joke — and even the children asked me what it meant,” she said. “As teachers, we all laughed about it this morning. It’s absurd.”

Gauci concluded by stressing that while the Budget includes certain commendable measures, it fails to tackle the country’s root issues and lacks a vision for Malta’s long-term well-being.

“This isn’t about politics,” she added. “It’s about building a future that genuinely improves people’s lives, not just handing out short-term benefits while ignoring the structural problems around us.”

#MaltaDaily

Photo Credit: DOI – Alan Saliba