Caruana Keeps Cards Close on Labour’s Election Pledge Costs

Malta’s political scene was abuzz this week as Labour Party leader and Prime Minister Robert Abela unveiled his party’s manifesto for the upcoming general election. But one thing remained notably absent: a clear breakdown of the overall cost of these promises.

When pressed by journalists, including Hot Malta, for a total figure, Abela deflected, stating that the manifesto is a “roadmap” and that the party will provide more details closer to the election. But it’s the silence from his deputy leader, Clyde Caruana, that’s raising eyebrows. Known for his financial acumen, Caruana has been tight-lipped about the manifesto’s price tag, leaving many wondering: how much will Labour’s pledges really cost?

Promises Galore, but How Much Will They Cost?

The Labour manifesto, launched at the party’s headquarters in Pietà, is a hefty 112 pages packed with promises. From increased pensions and wages to new hospitals and schools, there’s something for everyone. But with no clear total cost, voters are left to wonder how these promises will be funded.

“It’s like being told you’ve won the lottery, but not knowing how much you’ve won,” quipped Bernard Grech, leader of the Nationalist Party, at a press conference. “The people deserve to know the full cost of Labour’s promises.”

Caruana: The Man with the Numbers

Caruana, the deputy leader and finance minister, is usually the one crunching the numbers. He’s the one who, in 2017, famously said, “Money doesn’t grow on trees.” Yet, this time around, he’s been unusually quiet. When asked by Hot Malta for a total cost, he simply smiled and said, “All in good time.”

Caruana’s silence is all the more notable given his past statements. In 2019, he warned about the need to manage public debt, saying, “We must ensure that our spending is sustainable and does not jeopardize our future.” With the manifesto promising significant increases in spending, many are eager to know how Caruana plans to balance the books.

Labour: Patience, Please

Labour insists that voters should judge the manifesto on its merits, not its price tag. “We’re presenting a vision for Malta’s future,” said Abela. “We’ll provide more details in due course, but for now, we want people to focus on the promises, not the numbers.”

But with the election just months away, some are growing impatient. “We need to know the full cost,” said Maria, a voter from Birkirkara. “We can’t make informed decisions without all the facts.”

As the campaign heats up, one thing is clear: all eyes are on Caruana. Will he reveal the total cost of Labour’s pledges? Or will he keep his cards close to his chest until election day?