Żminijietna – Voice of the Left appealed to the Government to tackle poverty
and social inequality in the upcoming budget by strengthening social measures
and moving away from neo-liberal policy which increases inequality.
“Official statistics show that Malta is experiencing increased economic growth, but is also increasing an increase in number of people at risk-of-poverty. Hence, an improved economic situation does not necessarily translate in more social equality”.
“We therefore urge the Government to increase measures that tackle poverty, inequality and precariousness. These include an increase in the minimum wage; progressive legislation against precarious employment; and upward revisions in social benefits which reflect the current cost of living”.
“We agree with active policies which encourage people to seek employment, but these should not be at the expense of universal welfare benefits, which often protect people from falling into poverty”.
“We also appeal to the Government to keep investing in progressive measures such as universally accessible childcare services, pre and after school services for children, lifelong training programmes, and more affordable prices for energy use”.
“As regards fiscal policy, we appeal to the Government to discontinue the move towards income tax reductions for higher income earners, as this can have an impact on the financial sustainability of public finance. We also expect the Government to announce policies which ensure that all pensioners have a decent income”.
"Government should also avoid discourse against foreign workers and against welfare dependency. On the other hand we welcome discourse in favour of more integration and equality".
“Official statistics show that Malta is experiencing increased economic growth, but is also increasing an increase in number of people at risk-of-poverty. Hence, an improved economic situation does not necessarily translate in more social equality”.
“We therefore urge the Government to increase measures that tackle poverty, inequality and precariousness. These include an increase in the minimum wage; progressive legislation against precarious employment; and upward revisions in social benefits which reflect the current cost of living”.
“We agree with active policies which encourage people to seek employment, but these should not be at the expense of universal welfare benefits, which often protect people from falling into poverty”.
“We also appeal to the Government to keep investing in progressive measures such as universally accessible childcare services, pre and after school services for children, lifelong training programmes, and more affordable prices for energy use”.
“As regards fiscal policy, we appeal to the Government to discontinue the move towards income tax reductions for higher income earners, as this can have an impact on the financial sustainability of public finance. We also expect the Government to announce policies which ensure that all pensioners have a decent income”.
"Government should also avoid discourse against foreign workers and against welfare dependency. On the other hand we welcome discourse in favour of more integration and equality".
Press Release: 10/9/14
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