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

In a heated exchange at yesterday’s parliamentary session, Opposition Leader Bernard Grech challenged Finance Minister Clyde Caruana to justify the government’s spending, quipping, “Where’s your calculator, Minister?” The remark echoed through the chamber, sparking a lively debate that left many wondering: where indeed is the government’s calculator, and what are they calculating?

Delia’s Calculations

Grech, also known as ‘Delia’ in local political circles, presented a series of figures, claiming that the government has spent €1.2 billion more than planned in the first nine months of this year. He questioned the government’s fiscal responsibility, especially in light of the ongoing pandemic and its economic impact on Malta.

“We’re not talking about peanuts here,” Grech said, pointing out that the additional spending is equivalent to around €300 per Maltese resident. “Where is this money going, and why are we seeing such a significant discrepancy between planned and actual spending?”

Caruana’s Response

Caruana, in his response, attributed the increased spending to unforeseen circumstances, primarily the COVID-19 pandemic and the Russian-Ukrainian conflict. He argued that the government had to act swiftly to mitigate the economic fallout and support vulnerable sectors and individuals.

“We have had to make difficult decisions, and yes, we have spent more than planned,” Caruana acknowledged. “But we are accountable for every cent, and we are committed to transparency. We will continue to monitor our spending and ensure that every euro is well-spent.”

Transparency and Accountability

The exchange comes amidst growing calls for greater transparency and accountability in government spending. Civil society groups and opposition parties have been pushing for more detailed breakdowns of public expenditure, arguing that the current level of detail is insufficient for meaningful scrutiny.

In recent months, the government has taken steps to improve transparency, including the launch of a new public procurement portal and the publication of more detailed expenditure data. However, critics argue that more needs to be done, particularly in relation to off-budget items and state-owned enterprises.

Malta’s Auditor General, Charles Deguara, has also weighed in on the issue, noting that while the government has made progress in improving its financial management, there is still room for improvement, particularly in relation to the timely submission of financial statements.

As the government continues to grapple with the economic fallout from the pandemic and other global challenges, the question of where the money is going, and how it is being spent, is likely to remain a hot topic of debate. With a general election due in 2023, both sides will be keen to present their credentials on fiscal responsibility and economic management.

As Delia’s challenge echoes through the halls of Parliament, the government will need to ensure that its calculator is indeed in working order, and that it is using it wisely.