Momentum has criticised Budget 2027, saying that while it includes some positive measures, it fails to address what the party describes as Malta’s deeper structural, environmental and governance problems.The party welcomed measures including lower income tax for couples with children and the reduction of corporate tax to 25% for companies with a turnover below €1 million.However, it argued that the corporate tax change should have been accompanied by higher taxation for foreign companies and criticised the lack of reductions in persons of trust employed by ministers.Momentum also strongly criticised measures affecting third-country nationals, including the removal of free public transport, a new €400 infrastructure fee and higher work permit application costs.The party claimed that a TCN earning minimum wage could face €772 in new annual costs as a result.“Making life difficult for TCNs is a senseless approach that solves zero structural issues,” Momentum General Secretary Mark Camilleri Gambin said, also criticising changes affecting access to free childcare.Momentum proposed that the infrastructure fee should instead apply to larger businesses where TCNs make up a significant share of the workforce.The party also raised concerns over healthcare, claiming that the apparent end of an agreement involving private hospital emergency services could place greater pressure on Mater Dei.Momentum leader Arnold Cassola also criticised the pension increase announced in the Budget, arguing that most of the €10 rise comes from the standard COLA increase.The party further said Budget 2027 does not go far enough on traffic, tourism pressures, research and innovation, environmental measures or incentives for young Maltese people living abroad to return home.Momentum also called for part of the higher tourist eco-contribution to go directly to local councils affected by overtourism and argued that Comino needs strict daily visitor limits alongside any eco-contribution.The party said it will continue pushing for stronger environmental protection, structural reform and policies it believes treat all residents more fairly.•