Budget 2026: Traffic study to be carried out in central Victoria

Finance Minister Clyde Caruana, presented Budget 2026 on Monday evening in the House of Representatives, calling it a “socialist one.”

Prime Minister Robert Abela said that the theme of the budget is “A Strong Economy – A Future for our Children.”

Some of the points of this Budget announced for Gozo and of general interest, are shown below, and may be updated:

There will be a traffic study carried out in central Victoria, aiming to ease congestion, with pedestrian links connecting park and ride facilities to local centres.

Projects on roads in Gozo include the Fortunato Mizzi to Marsalforn link and other arterial roadworks for Victoria, Qala and Nadur.

Schools in Kercem and Zebbug are set for a renovation.

A tender for the development of the airfield in Gozo is to be issued in the coming months, Caruana said.

Gozitan post-secondary students in Malta to receive a €280 monthly allowance – a 70% increase.

Caruana also spoke about the expansion in healthcare and green spaces for Gozo, including the Victoria Park urban open space in Victoria. The Gozo Hospital upgrades, such as extended outpatient services, new helipad, renal unit, high dependency unit, coronary care, hyperbaric unit and new pharmacy.

He also listed the museums to open, with the Gozo Museum in Victoria being one of them and the Viticulture Museum in Qala, preserving and promoting cultural heritage.

The Civil Protection Department station in Gozo is to have an upgrade.

The Health Centre in Victoria will open later providing services until midnight.

Caruana said that Gozo’s fleet of buses is expected to be fully electric by 2026.

Ferry service from Valletta to Bugibba and Gozo to start, as already announced.

The ferry terminals at Mgarr and Cirkewwa are to be upgraded.

Cost of Living Adjustment for the coming year has been announced at €4.66 per week.

New tax bands – Computation categories: Married couples with one child; married couples with two or more children: parent with one child: and parent with two or more children.

Pensions will increase by €10 per week including the Cost of Living Adjustment.

Direct support for private sector wage increases and talent retention is being introduced by the Government through Micro Invest – In Gozo the support rises to 80% up to a maximum €960/year, while the Micro Invest cap in Gozo increases to €80,000.

The Government has announced the launch of “AI for Everyone” – free courses, practical sessions for parents, workers, students and seniors with national certification. Those graduation will receive free AI service subscription, the programme will be starting early next year.

Eco-contribution to rise to €1.50 per tourist per night, up from €0.50. Caruana said that this will go to fund infrastructure and environmental improvements.

There will be a 15% rise on stipends for students, and free gym membership scheme is extended to next year, extended to 16-21 year olds.

The national formulary is to be expanded next year and will include additional cancer treatment medicines.

The Pink Card scheme for free prescription medicines will have the age for eligibility lowered to 65-years.

Drivers up to 30 years of age will get a grant of €5,000 a year for 5 years if they hand in their driving licence.

File photo: Gozo News/Alain Salvary