Momentum highlights gaps in Malta’s budget plan

Malta’s political party Momentum has expressed both approval and disappointment following the presentation of the national budget, welcoming family and student-focused measures while strongly criticising the government for what it described as a “complete silence” on transport reform and environmental protection.

In a detailed statement issued on Tuesday, the party commended specific aspects of the budget that support parents, students, and pensioners but underscored major gaps in long-term sustainability planning. The group argued that the absence of transport and environmental initiatives reflects a short-sighted approach that undermines the country’s future wellbeing.

Support for families and students welcomed

Momentum began its statement by acknowledging that certain budget measures were positive steps, particularly those designed to support families. The introduction of new income tax brackets for parents, financial grants for people having or adopting children, and enhanced allowances for Gozitan students were highlighted as noteworthy achievements.

The party described these actions as a “most welcome step” and commended the government for recognising the financial pressures faced by families in Malta and Gozo. It also praised the newly introduced seven-day bereavement leave following the death of a child, describing it as a humane and compassionate initiative that acknowledges the emotional realities of family life.

Momentum emphasised that these family-related provisions show sensitivity towards social needs. However, it also noted that the economic context of rising prices continues to erode their real value.

“The €4.66 COLA payments are certainly not sufficient to make up for rising food and medicine prices,” the statement read, underscoring the increasing cost of living pressures that many households continue to face.

Concerns over lack of transport measures

While welcoming family-oriented reforms, Momentum’s statement turned sharply critical of the government’s failure to address Malta’s transport challenges, describing the omission as a significant policy oversight.

“Unfortunately, the government has kept completely silent on this,” the party declared, referring to the absence of proposals aimed at reducing traffic congestion and improving the efficiency of the public transport system.

Momentum argued that Malta’s heavy dependence on private vehicles contributes not only to congestion but also to widespread stress, loss of productivity, and environmental degradation.

“The government should have long ago started the process to expand our bus fleet, including feeder buses, whilst also increasing routes, frequency, reliability, and punctuality,” the statement read.

According to Momentum, real progress in this sector can only be achieved by reducing private car dependency. “It is only by getting private cars off the road, thanks to an efficient public transport system, that progress can ever be registered in this area,” the party added.

The group stressed that encouraging remote work and flexible working hours could form part of a broader strategy to address the traffic crisis, noting that such measures would not only reduce congestion but also enhance overall productivity and family life balance.

Environmental neglect and planning controversies

Momentum’s statement also drew attention to environmental issues, criticising what it characterised as the government’s “flawed planning policies” that have facilitated overdevelopment at the expense of Malta’s natural heritage.

Noting the protest outside Parliament on the day of the budget against controversial planning reforms, the party remarked that “any economic progress is fundamentally undermined if it comes at the cost of irreversible environmental degradation.”

“The government cannot ignore the clear link between its flawed planning policies and the long-term well-being of the country, which is being eroded by the destruction of our natural and urban landscapes. True progress must be sustainable, not destructive,” Momentum stated.

This position aligns with the growing public frustration regarding unchecked construction and planning permits granted in ecologically sensitive or densely populated areas. Momentum reiterated its belief that the government must adopt a more balanced and sustainable approach to development that prioritises quality of life, public health, and environmental stewardship.

Recognition of positive steps in social policy

Despite its criticisms, Momentum’s statement did not overlook certain commendable provisions in the budget. Among these were new benefits for pensioners and social welfare reforms intended to address long-standing inequalities.

The party praised a specific measure setting money aside for approximately 25,000 pensioners born before 1962 who had paid the highest tax rate during their working lives. Describing the move as “commendable,” Momentum nevertheless pointed out that this group will still be paid €41 less per week than those born after 1962.

Even more concerning, according to the party, was that “an estimated 50,000 to 60,000 other pensioners born before 1962 were again left with zero euros, instead of being given a fair pro-rata increase.” Momentum argued that such disparities are particularly troubling at a time when inflation and rising living costs have significantly eroded the purchasing power of pensioners.

The party also welcomed the decision that social security contributions paid before the age of 18 would now count toward pension entitlements, a measure that could positively affect individuals who entered the workforce early.

Broader social implications of economic policy

Momentum underscored the broader societal consequences of the budget’s omissions, suggesting that the lack of transport and environmental action not only affects infrastructure but also impacts people’s quality of life and mental health.

The party’s statement drew attention to the “impact of stress and long working hours on those considering having children,” noting that “larger families are not only a financial decision.” This remark highlighted the interconnectedness of economic, environmental, and social factors in determining population wellbeing.

By linking the issues of family life, work, transport, and the environment, Momentum presented a holistic critique of government policy, arguing that true progress must integrate economic growth with social equity and environmental responsibility.

Health services and technological innovation

Momentum also acknowledged positive developments in health and technology policy. The decision to keep the Gzira and Qormi health centres open 24 hours per day was described as “positive,” representing an important step in expanding access to primary healthcare.

Additionally, the party expressed support for budget measures aimed at advancing artificial intelligence (AI) and digital innovation. These, it said, were “definitely needed” to ensure that Malta remains competitive in the global digital economy. However, Momentum emphasised that such technological advancements should go hand in hand with environmental and social considerations to ensure that growth is sustainable and inclusive.

Momentum’s call for a sustainable vision

Throughout its statement, Momentum reiterated its core message: that Malta’s long-term prosperity depends on sustainable and balanced policies. The party called on the government to adopt a forward-thinking vision that integrates environmental preservation, improved transport, and family welfare into a cohesive national strategy.

It also stressed the need for stronger governance and accountability mechanisms to ensure that development decisions serve the public interest rather than narrow economic gains.

According to Momentum, sustainability should not be treated as a peripheral issue but rather as the guiding principle of policy-making. Without such a shift, the party warned, the nation risks compromising its natural assets and the wellbeing of future generations.

Conclusion

Momentum’s response to the national budget reflects a growing sentiment within Maltese society that economic growth must not come at the expense of environmental integrity and social justice. While the party acknowledged that several of the government’s measures were well-intentioned and beneficial, it also made clear that the omissions in transport and environmental planning could have lasting negative effects.

By combining praise with constructive criticism, Momentum positioned itself as a voice for long-term, sustainable policy-making, calling for a government strategy that aligns infrastructure development, social equity, and ecological responsibility.

FAQs

What did Momentum say about Malta’s budget?
Momentum welcomed family and student-oriented measures but criticised the lack of policies addressing transport and environmental issues.

Why did Momentum criticise the government?
The party argued that the government failed to tackle Malta’s worsening traffic congestion and environmental degradation.

What transport reforms does Momentum propose?
Momentum called for an expansion of the bus fleet, more frequent and reliable services, and greater encouragement of public transport over private cars.

How did Momentum respond to environmental policies?
It accused the government of allowing overdevelopment and warned that “economic progress is undermined if it comes at the cost of irreversible environmental degradation.”

What family-related measures were welcomed?
The party praised grants for new parents, expanded student support, and bereavement leave following the loss of a child.

What concerns did Momentum express about pensions?
Momentum noted that pensioners born before 1962 were treated unfairly and continue to face lower payments despite inflation.

Did Momentum comment on healthcare measures?
Yes, it welcomed the 24-hour operation of the Gzira and Qormi health centres as a positive move.

How does Momentum link transport and productivity?
The party argued that improved transport and flexible work arrangements could enhance productivity and reduce stress.

What was Momentum’s overall message?
That sustainable progress requires integrating social, economic, and environmental priorities into all government policies.

What does Momentum expect from future budgets?
The party hopes for greater attention to environmental protection, public transport investment, and fair treatment for pensioners.