General Secretary of the (GWU) has emphasized the need for a long-term strategic
plan to guide Malta’s future development. Speaking at the launch of the public
consultation for the pre-Budget 2025 document, hosted by Finance Minister Clyde
Caruana, Bugeja highlighted the importance of solidifying the country’s direction
through comprehensive planning.
While commending the current trajectory of the country, Mr. Bugeja stressed that a
more deliberate, forward-thinking approach is necessary to improve the quality of life
for all Maltese citizens — including workers, pensioners, and society at large. “Now
is the time to decide which direction we want our country to take,” he stated,
underscoring the urgency of planning for sustainable growth.
Central to his argument were key pillars such as demography, productivity, the labor
market, and education, which he identified as essential components of a long-term
vision. These elements, he said, should be incorporated into a national strategy to
ensure that Malta can meet its future economic and social challenges.
Mr. Bugeja also pointed out that the focus of public discourse should shift towards
digitalization and the evolving digital economy, as well as the principles of
Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG). These, he argued, will be critical in
setting and achieving the country’s future goals.
In conclusion, the GWU leader called for concrete steps in crafting a plan that
positions Malta as a forward-moving society, equipped to face upcoming challenges
in an increasingly digital and globalized world.
