Go for an election in November
A good budget in October could involve delivering the goodies ahead of a November election. Buoyed by a positive array of tax cuts and other measures aimed at quelling discontent amongst the middle class, Gonzi can offer a budget that restores confidence in his economic management, keeping his electorate happy enough not to risk voting Labour in an early election straight after the budget. A November election may mean Gonzi won’t have to face the psychological anxiety the Euro may create, while his political role will enjoy some high profile during Queen Elizabeth’s stopover en route to Uganda. His excellent showing at the Independence rally, where his inspiring delivery seized the day while Alfred Sant bombed with an unforeseen fiasco, would have kept the grassroots strong and eager to steam ahead.

Getting the budget goodies to kick in earlier
Budget measures seldom kick in before the year is out. Between October and January, the budget debate consists of a showdown between the party leaders in Parliament and all the good stuff only comes into force in the New Year, when people’s purchasing power is slightly down after Christmas spending. By going for an early budget, Gonzi may be planning on some positive budget measures coming into action by 1 December, sending a positive feeling across the entire electorate, and fattening up pockets in time for the Christmas season. With an end-of-year reprieve and renewed confidence for 2008, Gonzi may be thinking of keeping people happy earlier on, in time for a February election.