Abela sets 26 October budget date amid spending pressure

Prime Minister Robert Abela said the 2027 Budget will be presented on 26 October and that blanket energy and fuel subsidies will remain. He argued that ending them would raise inflation and weaken consumption, rejecting a suggested nine-cent fuel-price increase that he said might save €100 million. His call for realism followed warnings from the UĦM and Malta Chamber about limited fiscal room and tougher collective-agreement discussions. Abela said the government would continue implementing its electoral programme, but the report noted he did not mention the promised €1,000 annual worker bonus.