Update 12.30pm - Adds PN reaction

The government is aiming to ensure a fairer distribution of income and continued economic growth in next year’s budget, Prime Minister Joseph Muscat said during a brief telephone interview on One Radio.

Dr Muscat said fewer people are on benefits and unemployment is at record lows.
There has been a 14 per cent increase in people who fall into the middle class, Dr Muscat said.

Pointing towards recent economic data, Dr Muscat said Malta is now the best in Europe on two fronts, as it has the highest rate of economic growth in the EU and the lowest unemployment rate.

More youngsters are staying in education which is indicative of the success of the government’s youth guarantee, Dr Muscat said.

The Prime Minister pledged to continue to combat poverty through more economic growth and increase employment opportunities.

Dr Muscat pointed out that tourist arrivals are at a record high thanks to the hard work done in the sector.

'Their minds are only on Panama' - PN

The Nationalist Party reacted to Dr Muscat's interview with disdain, saying the Prime Minister was cut off from the day-to-day realities families faced and interested only in helping his inner circle fatten their wallets. 

"The Maltese people deserve much better," the PN said.