‘Where’s your calculator?’ Delia challenges Finance Minister on government costs

Malta’s Opposition Leader, Bernard Grech, found himself in a heated exchange with Finance Minister Clyde Caruana during yesterday’s parliamentary session. Grech, armed with a calculator, challenged Caruana to explain the government’s spending, sparking a tense debate that had MPs on the edge of their seats.

Grech’s Calculated Move

Grech began by presenting a series of figures, questioning the government’s allocation of funds. He pulled out a calculator, a move that caught the attention of the House, and started crunching numbers. “Where’s your calculator, Minister?” Grech quipped, setting the tone for the fiery debate that followed.

“I’m here to ask where the money is going,” Grech said, pointing out that while the government boasts about economic growth, it’s not translating into better public services. “We’re seeing increased spending, but where’s the improvement in our hospitals, our schools, our roads?”

Caruana’s Response

Caruana, taken aback by Grech’s approach, defended the government’s spending record. “We’ve invested heavily in infrastructure, in healthcare, in education,” he argued. “We’ve also had to deal with rare challenges, like the pandemic, which has required significant expenditure.”

Caruana pointed to the government’s track record, highlighting projects like the new hospital in Gozo, the upgrade of the Mater Dei Hospital, and the ongoing road infrastructure projects. “We’re delivering on our promises,” he insisted.

Heated Exchange

The exchange grew heated as Grech pressed on, questioning the efficiency of the spending. “We’re seeing costs spiral, but what are we getting in return?” he asked, pointing to the recent controversy surrounding the extension of the Marsa Sports Complex.

Caruana, visibly irritated, retorted, “We’re not here to discuss individual projects. We’re here to discuss the government’s overall spending strategy, which is focused on growth and development.”

The debate ended with both sides sticking to their guns, leaving the House divided. However, it sparked a conversation that’s likely to continue in the coming days, both in Parliament and among the public.

As Malta continues to grapple with the aftermath of the pandemic and looks towards recovery, the question of government spending is set to remain a hot topic. The Opposition’s calculated approach, quite literally, has put the spotlight on the government’s spending habits and the need for transparency and accountability.

Grech, in a post-debate interview, summed it up, “We’re not here to play politics. We’re here to ask tough questions, to ensure that every euro spent is spent wisely, for the benefit of all Maltese.”