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

In a heated exchange during a press conference yesterday, Opposition Leader Bernard Grech challenged Finance Minister Edward Scicluna to provide a detailed breakdown of government spending. Grech, echoing a phrase often used by his predecessor Simon Busuttil, asked, “Where’s your calculator, Minister?”

Budget 2021: The Numbers Game

The Finance Minister presented the 2021 Budget in Parliament last week, outlining a €1.3 billion deficit and a €7.6 billion spending plan. Grech, however, has been critical of the lack of detail in the budget, arguing that it fails to provide a clear picture of where the money is going.

“We’re being asked to take a leap of faith,” Grech said, “but the people of Malta deserve to know exactly how their money is being spent.”

Delia’s Challenge: Transparency or Politics?

Grech’s challenge has sparked a debate about transparency and accountability in government spending. The Nationalist Party has long called for a more detailed breakdown of the budget, arguing that it is necessary to ensure that public money is being spent effectively and efficiently.

However, Labour MP Clifton Grima dismissed Grech’s challenge as “political grandstanding,” arguing that the budget provides a clear overview of government spending and that the Opposition is simply trying to score political points.

“The Opposition should be focusing on providing constructive criticism and alternative solutions, not playing games with the Finance Minister,” Grima said.

Malta’s Transparency Score: Room for Improvement

Malta’s ranking in international transparency indices has been a source of concern for many years. According to Transparency International’s Corruption Perceptions Index, Malta ranks 56th out of 180 countries, with a score of 55 out of 100.

Civil society groups have long called for greater transparency and accountability in government spending, arguing that it is essential to combat corruption and ensure that public money is being used effectively.

In this context, Grech’s challenge to the Finance Minister can be seen as part of a broader push for greater transparency and accountability in government spending.

whether the Opposition’s challenge will lead to a more detailed breakdown of the budget. However, one thing is clear: the people of Malta deserve to know exactly how their money is being spent.

As Grech put it, “It’s not the Minister’s money. It’s our money. And we have a right to know where it’s going.”