In this video blog Minister for Finance Prof. Edward Scicluna explains that during the past weeks, no less than eight consultative meetings related to the coming budget took place, all part of the Pre Budget 2015 Consultation process.

He explains that these meetings included three meetings held directly with the public across the whole of Malta and Gozo, a Business Breakfast with representatives from the private sector, social partners, and NGOs, and two meetings with the Malta Council for Economic and Social Development (MCESD).

Prof. Scicluna however underlines that despite how some critics dismiss these consultative platforms as talking shops, the feedback that the Government has received during these events was valuable and often of a high level.

Prof. Scicluna expresses his satisfaction at the events which took place, and notes that to-date the Government has received over 300 separate proposals from as many as 25 different organisations.

He emphasises that responsible governance requires that both the Government and the Opposition not only listen but consider the feedback the whole of society has to offer in the course of policy-making.

– Wednesday, 8th October, 2014