Malta’s Opposition Leader Bernard Grech was left scratching his head last week as Finance Minister Clyde Caruana refused to provide cost estimates for several government projects. In a heated exchange during a parliamentary session, Grech quipped, “Where’s your calculator, Minister?” sparking a flurry of reactions and raising questions about transparency in government spending.

The exchange began when Grech pressed Caruana for cost estimates of projects like the Marsa Sports Hub and the new Parliament building. Caruana, however, evaded the questions, citing ongoing negotiations and the need to avoid influencing market forces. Grech retorted, “You’re not answering the question, Minister. Where’s your calculator?” leaving the chamber in a state of disbelief and laughter.

Greach later told Hot Malta, “It’s not about influencing markets, it’s about accountability. The public deserves to know how their money is being spent.”

Malta’s transparency in government spending has long been a topic of debate. According to the International Budget Partnership, Malta scores a mere 40 out of 100 in the Open Budget Survey, indicating limited public access to budget information.

Locals like Mario, a Birkirkara resident, echo these concerns. “I’ve always wondered where our taxes go,” he says, “Seeing projects like the Marsa Sports Hub, I’d like to know if it’s worth the cost.”

As the debate around government spending continues, so does the public’s right to know. Grech has promised to keep pressing for answers, stating, “We’ll keep asking, keep pushing until we get the figures.”

Caruana, for his part, maintains that providing cost estimates at this stage could jeopardize negotiations. He told Hot Malta, “It’s about timing and strategy, not evasion.”

if the government’s strategy aligns with the public’s right to know. But one thing’s for sure, the calculator’s in the spotlight, and Malta’s watching.