Malta’s government finances registered a €552.2 million deficit during the first seven months of 2026, as expenditure continued to grow faster than revenue.New figures published by the National Statistics Office show recurrent revenue reached €4.82 billion between January and July, €717.3 million higher than during the same period last year.Income tax provided the biggest boost, increasing by €362.8 million, followed by VAT, which rose by €153.3 million, and grants, up €110.3 million.However, government expenditure climbed even more, rising by €751.6 million to €5.37 billion. Spending on programmes and initiatives alone increased by €272.4 million, including an additional €98.9 million on social security benefits and €31.5 million on medicines and surgical materials.Capital expenditure also rose substantially, reaching €621 million, €177.2 million more than last year, with additional spending on property and equipment, property acquisitions and road works.The resulting €552.2 million deficit compares to €518 million during the same period in 2025, representing a deterioration of €34.2 million.Meanwhile, Central Government debt stood at €11.70 billion at the end of July, €540.3 million higher than a year earlier, with Malta Government Stocks accounting for the largest increase.What do you make of Malta’s latest government finance figures?•