VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – Inflation and the rising cost of living remain the top concern for the Maltese public, according to the latest Eurobarometer survey, with anxiety over prices continuing to grow.
The study shows that 40% of respondents cited rising prices as one of the most important issues facing the country, up five percentage points from March and nine points above the EU average.
On a personal level, concern was even sharper. A striking 61% said the cost of living was among their two biggest challenges, a 16-point increase since March and 13 points higher than the EU average.
Immigration and the environment followed as major national concerns, named by 30% and 26% of respondents respectively, both well above EU averages and significantly higher than earlier in the year.
Government debt (17%), housing (16%), health (12%), education (9%) and threats to democracy (9%) were also cited, though fewer Maltese expressed concern over the economy or security compared to other Europeans.
At EU level, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine emerged as the leading concern, cited by 33% of Maltese respondents.
Trust in the EU rose to 57%, while satisfaction with democracy in Malta reached 50%. Despite a slight dip, overall life satisfaction remained high at 92%, and overwhelming majorities said Malta has benefitted from EU membership.
– photo IPA Agency –
(ITALPRESS).
