Malta’s 2026 Budget was described as “the greatest ever,” featuring tax cuts, higher stipends, family bonuses, and generous grants.
However, this raises a question: is this responsible governance or populism? At its core, the budget captures a dilemma all democracies face.
In a democracy, politicians are rewarded for pleasing the public, not necessarily for managing resources wisely.
the greatest ever
The struggle to balance popularity with responsibility is a key challenge, particularly when elections loom and budgets are used as campaign tools.
Author’s summary: Malta’s 2026 Budget sparks debate on responsible governance.