A snap election has just been called in Malta!

Last Monday, Malta’s Prime Minister called a snap election 10 months early. Rumours about the election dates had been circulating on social media since February, with various dates suggested, resembling a Super 5 draw line.

The PL presented its first set of proposals the following day, including a 25% government loan of the property’s value to first-time buyers, interest-free and repayable over several years at a fixed rate. This measure is intended to support families with initial payments during their early years. Proposals for affordable housing to counter market speculation, such as those from the Foundation for Affordable Housing, may also be introduced. Another closely watched proposal concerns parental and maternal leave, offering additional weeks of leave to parents, a €5,000 birth bonus per child, and other measures targeted at families. Personally, I do not benefit from these proposals as I do not have children, nor do I benefit from the tax benefits announced during last year’s budget. Nonetheless, I appreciate that these measures were presented, as they seem necessary for the country at this time, even though my taxes subsidise such schemes. Furthermore, I welcome the proposal to increase pensions by €50 per week by the end of the next legislature, resulting in an increase of €200 per month over five years.

In addition, prior to this election announcement, the Minister for Transport launched Malta in Motion, a mass transport scheme connecting a rapid transit system along Malta’s Eastern coast, a bus shuttle service, a water transportation system, and cycling and walking lanes. This proposal aims to improve connectivity, ease congestion, and provide more sustainable travel options. I understand that many people were not amused by the proposal. Compared to the metro system proposal, it admittedly could be more ambitious, yet it remains the most feasible option presented so far. For the past four years, I have argued for connecting all transportation modes on our island, which measures 27km by 15km. The Minister for Finance has been clear. Approval depends on solid financial estimates of the costs, which is a prudent stance since we cannot afford mistakes. My position on social media has been that, by including the private sector and leveraging the budget through private capital, we could avoid funding the entire €2.8 billion from public finances. The remaining amount could be distributed over 15 years. This approach would ease pressure on public resources, and with moderate infrastructure adjustments – since further flyovers seem unlikely – the investment could be manageable if the economy grows as forecast by the European Commission and International Monetary Fund. Encouragingly, there is finally a national consensus that the economy is strong.

Another point, which was music to my ears when I listened to the prime minister, is that the PL’s electoral manifesto appears to be costed and provides a well-being index for the proposals presented. Indeed, the well-being index is highly commendable. Which measurements were chosen, as they are subjective and there are many forms, including the OECD, we still need to see. However, we are moving in the right direction, as this aligns with the Malta Vision 2050. The push, from now on, is to explain the well-being index to the public in layman’s terms, as it is quite subjective and intangible. Certainly, there are enough competent candidates, cabinet ministers, and MPs on the list who can articulate this easily to the public. Not to leave out the authors of the manifesto or those involved. Although it would have been interesting to see the reduction in emissions for this plan aligned with Europe’s decarbonisation strategy. Having a well-being index is already a great step in the right direction. Building on this is something we all aspire to, especially economists working in sustainability. The PL’s proposals so far are focused on family well-being. As time passes, we will see additional proposals announced.

By the time I wrote this article, I had not seen any PN proposals. I will write about them in upcoming opinion pieces. I only followed a press conference outlining what the PL failed to deliver during its term. Well, the Malta Flimkien manifesto was written for five years, not four years and two months. I will give a fair economic assessment of what is good and what is best for Malta from both sides. I was a candidate on the PL’s ticket in the last MEP elections. My allegiance is towards the PL, as I grew up within the party structures. Still, if there are good proposals from the other side or other parties, I will discuss them and state my views. I will also analyse PL’s proposals that I do not agree with.

During a general election campaign, our country must show maturity. I’ve already noticed divisive comments from both supporters, but we are all Maltese with mixed political family ties. Don’t let election fever harm family relationships over petty arguments. Support your party and discuss civilly within your family. Avoid political quarrels, especially among relatives. For now, everyone should remain calm as debates intensify. The PL currently leads in proposals. Perhaps next week, we can analyse the PN’s. Meanwhile, enjoy the election slogans, and I wish all candidates success as they meet voters and serve the people. I have been in that position before. Be honest and follow up on cases, as people are paying attention. If you need my help, I am here. Good luck!