Finance Minister Signals Delay for Malta's €1,000 Super Bonus For Workers

Malta's workers are likely to wait beyond the October budget for the €1,000 annual "super bonus" pledged by Labour during the last election. Caruana has signalled the measure will not feature in Budget 2027, though he stopped short of ruling it out entirely.

The minister framed the omission within a broader argument about fiscal responsibility, stating that stabilising energy prices and protecting public finances take precedence. He drew a parallel with the previous legislature, during which tax cuts were delayed before eventually being delivered, arguing that a pledge not appearing in an early budget does not mean it will be abandoned.

The bonus, which targets workers who have resided in Malta for more than five years, was among Labour's headline electoral commitments.

Caruana also dismissed suggestions of austerity measures, confirming that healthcare and education would not face cuts, whilst energy subsidies and infrastructure spending are expected to remain significant budget items.

Budget 2027 is due to be presented on the 26th of October.