Finance Minister Clyde Caruana has hit back at criticism of the latest Budget, accusing some businesses of putting profits first while expecting the rest of the country to deal with the consequences.Speaking during a Labour Party activity in Marsaxlokk on Sunday, Caruana acknowledged the strong reaction to the government’s new measures affecting third-country nationals.“The Budget touched a nerve,” he said, arguing that the response showed the government had begun addressing issues people had long complained about.Caruana questioned why some of those who previously demanded action on Malta’s growing population were now criticising the measures.“Now that the government has done something, suddenly population isn’t a problem anymore. It’s like the world is going to end because we took action,” he remarked.The Budget introduced new charges and restrictions affecting certain third-country nationals, including changes to free public transport, childcare eligibility and employment-related fees.However, Caruana insisted that foreign workers themselves were not the problem.Instead, he criticised businesses that rely on low wages while leaving the wider community to shoulder the pressure on public services and infrastructure.“They take the profit and expect the country to carry the whole burden,” he said.The minister stressed that the government supports businesses making profits, but believes they must also take responsibility for their impact on workers and communities.Do you agree with Clyde Caruana’s response to the Budget criticism?•