What a difference there is in these Elections. From a the 60 Maltese Liri for some people to build a Bathroom to the Millions of Millions that each and everyone is promising to the General Public. This is similar to “Manna” falling from Heaven.

Projections followed by Other Projections. All competing with one another who can dish out the most. It’s Bonanza Time.

Our Country’s Economy is doing wonders even with the disastrous Covid Epidemic that brought havoc all over the World, Malta has managed to make a better margin of intake than all the rest of the European Union Countries. Not only that but the projections being given are for more rosier future prospects. These are excellent news for the future of our Country.

Additional Taxes have been shelved for these past year with no new ones envisioned for this coming Year.

The Social Services have been increasing wonderful, as well as stipends for our Youths Studies.

Pensioners like myself are much better off than in the past. Better financial assistances are also envisaged for this coming year and following years.

The feel good factor is being felt and followed by the majority of Citizens.

Where are the Monies Coming From?

My personal question is very simple. From where are these millions of Euro to sustain these promises coming from? Can our Economy sustain the outflow of these millions of millions?

It appears that our Leaders are convinced that these financial and social benefits are plausible for being achieved.

May this “Manna” keep on coming.

Apart from the numerous proposals being submitted several make a lot of sense whilst others are so far-fetched that they don’t make any sense at all. I believe that one has to keep their feet on the ground and not promise Heaven on Earth with excessive proposals. I do find some important elements missing.

These are the elements I wish to submit for consideration:

1) The General Public are fed up with and by the excessive buildings that are ruining our habitat, culture and way of life.

2) Whilst taking about Environment and Green Areas, no Party has committed itself to stop “Illegal Buildings taking place Without Permits.”

3) No one is stopping or promising to stop Buildings Extensions on Outside Development Zones.

4) No One has declared itself against the rape and overbuilding’s that are ruining our way of life and Rural Cores.

5) Nothing about Authorities to invest in new projects for Gozitans in High Tech.

6) No mention whatsoever is being made to preserve our National Heritage Monuments Restorations in Gozo, such as Chambray, Ta’ Pinu Water Arches, Ghar Gerduf, Ghar Mixta, The Trunciera and so many other Historical Places.

7) Water is scare and due to our climate it is becoming more scarce as years pass. Gozo is surrounded by valleys all around, so why is no mention being made about the installation of Staggered Water Dams so so that Rain Water can be preserved and made use of, both for Domestic and Farming use.

8) Transparency and Meritocracy are also being side-lined. I always said that if Political Parties are elected “By” the people, “For the People” and “In the Name of the People” why do keep any Agreement Hidden from the People that our Members of Parliament are Representing. Any Agreement made on Behalf of the People should and must be Transparent to One and All. These agreements have also to be scrutinised by the General Public.

9) Gozitans are much better off in their Medical needs than previously, but in my view the General Health lacks much more home service in Gozo itself. One admires and have seen a healthy transformation at Mater Dei Hospital but the General Hospital in Gozo lacks many areas in Health and Machinery.

10) Gozitans should be provided Health Programmes in all aspects in Gozo itself and not have to suffer the travel to cross over to Mater Dei Hospital for treatments and tests.

Conclusion

I may just be a common citizen, but I do believe that these personal views on the coming Budget may be of assistance to each and everyone.

Lino DeBono