In the heart of Malta’s Parliament building, a scene unfolded that had more in common with a math classroom than a political forum. Opposition Leader Bernard Grech challenged Finance Minister Clyde Caruana to provide a breakdown of government costs, to which Caruana retorted, “Where’s your calculator?”

This exchange, captured on Tuesday’s budget debate, has left Maltese citizens scratching their heads and reaching for their phones. The question on everyone’s mind? Why the Finance Minister seemed unwilling to provide a simple cost breakdown.

Grech’s request was straightforward: provide a detailed breakdown of government costs. But Caruana’s response, “Where’s your calculator?”, has sparked a national conversation about transparency and accountability. It’s not the first time politicians have been accused of dodging simple questions with clever rhetoric.

Malta’s political scene has long been criticized for a lack of transparency. From the Panama Papers to the recent Electrogas controversy, questions about government spending have often been met with evasion rather than explanation. Grech’s challenge, and Caruana’s response, have brought this issue back into the spotlight.

Malta’s ‘math anxiety’ isn’t just a political issue. It’s a national one. According to a 2021 survey by the Malta Chamber of Commerce, Enterprise and Industry, only 37% of Maltese businesses feel they have a good understanding of their financial situation. This lack of financial literacy can hinder economic growth and personal prosperity.

Local initiatives like the Financial Literacy Foundation are working to change this. Their programs, offered in schools and communities, aim to empower Maltese citizens with the financial knowledge they need to make informed decisions. But until our political leaders can provide a simple cost breakdown, it seems Malta’s math anxiety will continue to make headlines.

Back in Parliament, the debate continues. Grech has accused Caruana of hiding behind rhetoric, while Caruana maintains that the budget provides all the necessary information. But for many Maltese citizens, the question remains: where’s the beef? And more importantly, where’s the breakdown?

As Malta moves forward, it’s clear that transparency and accountability will continue to be hot topics. Whether it’s in the classroom, the boardroom, or the political arena, Malta’s math anxiety is a challenge that needs to be addressed. Because in the end, it’s not just about numbers. It’s about trust.