Watch: 'Budget theme a nice slogan but most not benefiting from economy'

Opposition Leader Alex Borg has highlighted rising costs of living ahead of the government’s budget 2026 speech later today.

In a video posted to Facebook, Borg said the theme of the budget — 'A strong economy – a future for our children” — was a “nice slogan”, but that the economy was not benefitting everyone equally.

“Let’s be honest: many people don't feel the effects of the supposedly strong economy”, he said. “The cost of living is rising every day, salaries are not enough, young people work multiple jobs and still cannot own their home, and families live paycheck to paycheck”.

“The government talks as if everything's fine, but I'm hearing people on the streets, and the real challenge is not how much the economy grows but how far it is reaching everyone,” said Borg.

“If we really want a future for our children, we must have an economy that works for everybody, that creates quality employment and is about sustainability, not slogans.”

The Opposition leader said the PN believed in an economy “with a heart”, providing opportunities to all.

“The economy cannot be merely strong on paper - it is about people's lives. It has to make sure that you don't spend your life in traffic, that you enjoy a high quality of life.”

Finance Minister Clyde Caruana will outline the government's spending and income priorities for 2026 when he delivers his annual Budget speech tonight.

Caruana's speech in parliament is expected to begin at around 6.30pm.