Abela Outlines Priorities: Jobs, Housing, and Skills in Focus

As the sun dipped below the Grandmaster’s Palace in Valletta, Prime Minister Robert Abela stepped out to address the nation. The budget, he announced, would be about people, about jobs, and about the future. But what exactly does that mean for Malta’s residents? Let’s look the key measures the government has outlined for the coming year.

Boosting Jobs and Economy

Abela started by addressing the elephant in the room – the economic downturn caused by the pandemic. The budget, he promised, would focus on job creation and stimulating the economy. One of the key initiatives is the extension of the Wage Supplement Scheme until June 2022. This scheme, introduced to help businesses keep employees during the pandemic, will now cover up to 60% of wages, down from the current 75%.

But it’s not just about keeping jobs afloat. The government is also investing in new job creation. The budget allocates €100 million for the ‘JobsPlus Malta’ initiative, aimed at creating 2,000 new jobs in the private sector. This initiative will provide wage subsidies for new employees, with the government covering up to 50% of their wages for the first two years.

Housing and Infrastructure

Housing has been a hot topic in Malta for years, and Abela addressed it directly in his budget speech. The government is investing €200 million in affordable housing, with a focus on building apartments for first-time buyers. The budget also includes €100 million for infrastructure projects, including the long-awaited Marsa Sports Complex and the upgrade of the Mater Dei Hospital’s emergency department.

But it’s not just about big projects. The government is also investing in smaller, community-level initiatives. The ‘Kunsill Lokali’ scheme, which allocates funding to local councils for community projects, will see its budget doubled to €2 million.

Education and Skills

Education is another key priority for the government. The budget allocates €50 million for a new ‘Skills Malta’ initiative, aimed at providing training and upskilling opportunities for workers. This initiative will focus on sectors like technology, construction, and healthcare, where skills are in high demand.

The budget also includes funding for education infrastructure. The government is investing €100 million in school upgrades, with a focus on improving facilities for students with disabilities. This includes the construction of a new school for students with special needs in Birkirkara.

Abela ended his speech by to the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. “We are not out of the woods yet,” he said, “but we are moving in the right direction. This budget is about building a stronger, more resilient Malta for the future.”

how these measures will play out, but one thing is clear – the government is taking a proactive approach to navigating the challenges of the post-pandemic world. As Malta’s residents look to the future, they can take comfort in the knowledge that their government is working to create a brighter, more prosperous tomorrow.