BREAKING: Free public transport to all Maltese citizens as of October 2022

Oct 11 2021

During today’s Budget 2022 speech addressed by Minister for Finance and Employment Clyde Caruana, it was revealed that as of October 2022, the government will provide free public transport to every single Maltese & Gozitan citizen and residents of the Maltese Islands.

In the first sub-article of Article 6 titled ‘Malta Moderna’, Caruana highlighted that the government has always provided measures which consider practical solutions towards perennial problems and stated that ‘the time has come to take the next step in Malta’s transport sector to address traffic congestion’.

The Minister stated that ‘after the disaster created by others’, it was this government which applied a sensible approach towards the transportation sector. By providing free transport to all citizens, Malta will become the second European country to invoke such a measure. This means that citizens who utilise public transport everyday will save over €300 thanks to such a measure.

With ongoing discussions surrounding Malta’s metro system and free transport for all as of October 2022, could Malta’s transport and mobility sector truly be heading in the right direction?

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Inwadar afforestation project to come to fruition for a greener Malta

Oct 11 2021

Inwadar afforestation project proposed by architects which will see the planting of over 40,000 indigenous trees will be actualised by the government. The Finance Minister revealed that this is a zone which consists agricultural and private land, as well as other parts which are open for more experimentation for the possibility of creating such a park. This will be a park far bigger than Buskett and will be worked upon over 5 years with a €20 million investment.

In article 5.2.1, the budget also highlights the government’s commitment to ‘urban greening’, where a creative approach will be taken towards a greener infrastructure, open spaces and an increase in trees and flora. Projects include those in Hamrun, Zabbar, Qormi and Mosta where the government will be financed by the Social Fund for National Development. The projects also include a regeneration of San Anton Garden and the development of green walls and green roofs at the Liċeo building in Ħamrun as well as the Romeo Romano, Spencer and Belvedere gardens, amongst others.

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Malta Film Studios to get Malta’s first-ever soundstage

Oct 11 2021

During the Budget 2022 presentation addressed by Minister for Finance and Employment Clyde Caruana, it was revealed that an investment will be made into the Malta Film Studios’ master plan to ensure that the complex gets its first-ever soundstage.

Caruana stated that the government’s intent is to continue contributing to the country’s sustainable film industry, which managed to attract 28 international productions towards our country and contributed €91 million towards Malta’s economy.

The minister stated that in 2022, Malta plans to continue attracted large-scale productions to put Malta in the map in the global film industry. This echoes Malta Film Commissioner Johann Grech’s plan to make Malta’s film industry ‘world class’ as he had stated during the Malta Film Awards address, which will take place in January. The Malta Film Awards’ intent is to award local talent and progress, which ultimately aims to elevate the industry’s level and create more jobs.

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10% increase for student stipend and strengthening of teaching profession

Oct 11 2021

Addressing the presentation of the 2022 budget, Finance Minister Clyde Caruana announced that all stipends for students will be increasing by 10%. The stipend will still remain applicable if the student works a maximum of 25 hours per week. Through these two measures, students will be benefitting from a total increase of €5 million.

Apprenticeship will also receive a massive investment which will see the number of students who find placements in private sectors increase. The teaching profession will also receive a strengthening of status, as the Minister announced mentoring programmes for newly graduated educators. Students undertaking their SEC examinations will also be carrying out the exams in the same school they attend.

This will reduce the stress for students and will be done through a €1 million investment. Infrastructure for schools will also take place, along with the building of new schools in Imsida and Rabat, Ghawdex.

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