Distribution of one-time bonus and tax refund cheques

Abstract

The Government announced that two cheques were to be distributed amongst the population of Malta. The original reason for these cheques, according to the Prime Minister, Robert Abela, was to stimulate economic growth in all sectors and alleviate rising inflation in view of the impact of COVID-19. As war broke out in Ukraine, these were repackaged by the Labour Party (PL, Partit Laburista), the party in Government, as a measure to cushion the economic blow of this war.

One cheque, initially termed the 'stimulus cheque' and later being referred to as the 'one time bonus cheque 2022', was to be sent to workers, students, pensioners and people on social benefits.

A second cheque, known as the 'Tax Refund Cheque' was sent to those in employment.

The distribution of these cheques were criticised by Malta's main opposition party, the Nationalist Party (PN, Partit Nazzjonalista) stating that these were an election gimmick and an attempt to buy votes: a general election was due on 26 March 2022. The Government however denied this and highlighted that tax rebate cheques had been distributed annually between 2018 and 2021.