In his weekly video blog, Finance Minister Prof. Edward Scicluna discusses recent reports pertaining to the publication and reporting of national statistics in which he called for less ambiguity in how these figures are presented to the media and the public.

Prof. Scicluna explains that when he fulfilled the role of an MEP, he was a rapporteur precisely on reports pertaining to statistics, and that the last report he worked on (which is still being discussed in the European Parliament) deals specifically with the autonomy that such statics institutions should have.

Prof. Scicluna however notes that very often, statistics and figures that should be clear cut and unambiguous and presented as vague or uncertain instead. He explains that he is duty-bound to expect that both media and statistical agencies are clear in how they publish and report their figures.

Prof. Scicluna also explains that in the light of how the National Statistical Office recently announced a recalculation in its workings for the Gross Domestic Product, he would be requesting the Malta Statistics Authority (MSA) — the regulatory entity overseeing the NSO — to look into it and present conclusions so that the statistical agency can be strengthened.

– Friday, 25th October, 2013