Clyde Caruana Stands By 800,000 Population Projection Despite Robert Abela’s Doubts

Finance Minister Clyde Caruana has reaffirmed his projection that Malta’s population could reach 800,000 by 2040, despite Prime Minister Robert Abela recently dismissing that figure as unrealistic.

Speaking to Times of Malta, Caruana said he has not changed his position since first making the projection in 2023.

“I believe that, on the population, my comments throughout time have been clear. I do not have anything to add to the comments I had made,” he said, confirming he still stands by the figures.

Caruana argued that, based on the current rate of population growth, Malta would be “very close” to the 800,000 mark within the next 14 years.

He pointed to the National Statistics Office’s latest estimate of around 590,000 residents, saying that if annual population increases continue at current levels, the country will approach the projected figure by 2040.

The comments come just days after Prime Minister Robert Abela rejected the 800,000 projection, insisting that population growth has slowed since changes to Malta’s labour migration policy were introduced in 2024.

“So, let’s not get into narratives of 800,000 by 2040 or whatever. They are not realistic,” Abela said last week.

Caruana also reiterated that Malta’s future economic growth should increasingly rely on capital rather than labour, arguing that more incentives are needed to reduce the country’s dependence on workforce growth.

What do you make of these remarks?

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Gabriel Falzon

Gabriel Falzon is a social media executive at Lovin Malta, with a keen interest in digital media, local businesses, and the natural world. Outside of work, you’ll often find him baking up a storm, diving into video games, or exploring the endless corners of YouTube.