Report maps out priorities for parties' electoral programmes

A balanced budget and competitiveness should be the priorities of the next government, according to a study published this morning by the Today Public Policy Institute. The document, entitled "A Strategy for Addressing the Nation's Priorities," focuses on the key issues which Malta's political parties may wish to consider in the preparation of their forthcoming electoral manifestos. The aim of this document, presented by Martin Scicluna, is to stimulate a public debate on the major issues facing the country. "We live in a tough, uncertain world. A fast-moving, global market has emerged. Europe is going through turbulent times. New economic powers are rising in the east and in the southern hemisphere. We must compete to survive," the report says. "Malta's overriding priority should be to achieve a balanced budget in the medium term by reducing the deficit by at least 0.5% of GDP each year and by complying with the provisions of the new EU Fiscal Compact. Apart from contributing towards inter-generational equity, the resulting stabilization, and eventual reduction, of the public debt burden would also strengthen investor confidence." Since the tax burden is already...