Prime Minister Robert Abela has discussed budget measures with the Youth Advisory Forum, saying that the government sees young people as the engine that will enable the country to continue transforming and reforming itself.
A Department of Information statement said Friday that the Prime Minister told the forum members that young people bring with them objective perspectives and fresh ideas, emphasizing how the “government is in a position to give priority to quality over quantity”.
Abela said that the environment continues to be a priority and the creation of more public spaces is high on the government’s agenda. Entities like Project Green and the Department of Public Works should seek to work more together to promote sustainability in every project undertaken.
During the meeting, Abela also emphasised subjects that were prominent in the budget, such as mental health. “We will not rest before seeing that mental health issues are given the same treatment as other illnesses. We have launched concrete measures to help people identify mental health issues better and earlier. We are taking mental health services closer to the public, with the help of local councils,” the PM said.
The free six-month gym membership for people aged between 18 and 20 is a message to young people that physical activity is important, the PM said, also emphasising the importance of reading.