MALTA’S GOVERNMENT FOSTERS DEPENDENCY OVER ECONOMIC FREEDOM

 

Labour claims to champion progress. Yet, its policies trap citizens in a cycle of dependency. Instead of empowering individuals to thrive economically, the state tightens its grip. This approach undermines personal freedom and ambition. It is a troubling trend for Malta’s future. 

The government’s welfare system is a prime example. Free handouts sound appealing. They provide short-term relief for many. But these benefits often discourage self-reliance. People become reliant on state support. The system rewards inaction over initiative. A young Maltese worker might hesitate to start a business. Why take risks when the government offers a safety net? This mindset stifles innovation. It keeps the economy stagnant. 

Taxation tells a similar story. High taxes burden small businesses and entrepreneurs. Start-ups face crippling costs. Bureaucratic red tape makes it worse. Opening a shop or launching a service requires endless permits. The government’s heavy hand discourages bold ideas. It punishes those who dare to dream big. Meanwhile, state-backed monopolies thrive. They face little competition. This setup favours the connected few, not the hardworking many. 

Education policy also raises concerns. Young Maltese are trained to follow, not lead. The curriculum rarely teaches financial literacy or entrepreneurship. Students graduate unprepared for economic independence. Many seek government jobs for security. The state becomes their lifeline. This is no accident. A dependent workforce is easier to control. 

Housing policies further entrench reliance. As MPs, from the Prime Minister downwards, invest in real estate, property inflation is to their own interest. To nobody’s surprise, the result is skyrocketing property prices. Young buyers are locked out. Affluent foreigners are welcome. Money talks. Government subsidies for housing are a bandage, not a cure. They tie citizens to state aid. Without it, many can’t afford homes. True reform is ignored. The government prefers citizens who need its help. It’s a win-win for Labour.

Public sector jobs play a key role. They dominate Malta’s economy with one third of the workers in public jobs. Nowhere is this more evident in Gozo where more public jobs result in more shops and services closing. Public jobs offer stability but little room for creativity. Workers become loyal to the state, not their own business ambitions. The government dangles easy work conditions. This keeps employees compliant. It’s an effective form of control.

A rightwing culture values personal responsibility. It believes in hard work and freedom. Malta’s government, however, prefers obedient subjects. Its policies create a culture of dependence. However, citizens deserve better. They should be free to innovate, build, and prosper. The state must loosen its grip and other controls. It should cut taxes and reduce bureaucracy. Only then can Maltese people truly thrive. The government must trust its citizens. It must let them soar, not keep them tethered.