In reaction to the European Commission’s publication on the social and economic situation of EU member states, AD reiterated the need for policies which aim to reduce inequalities in Maltese society.
Angele Deguara, AD Spokesperson for Social Policy, said, “The report on the social and economic situation of EU countries published by the EU Commission on Thursday reminds us once again of the pressing need to address the problems of poverty and deprivation experienced by thousands of people in Malta. The report indicates that the problem is getting worse rather than improving compared to previous years. AD reiterates its call for an increase in the minimum wage, better law enforcement to curb precarious employment, more opportunities and incentives for different categories of vulnerable groups to access the labour market and more efforts to reduce the number of early school leavers. AD believes that while poverty is a complex problem which is not easy to eradicate, more sincere efforts and a stronger political will to fight it will give positive results. For example, the 2012 budget proposals will benefit high income earners more than those living under the poverty line, something that does not augur well for a reduction in poverty”.
Nighat Urpani, AD Spokesperson for Social Development and Health, said: “We must bear in mind that around 115 million Europeans (23% of the EU population) are at risk of poverty and social exclusion. The first annual Review of Employment and Social Development in Europe published by the EC highlighted workers’ mobility as an important way to address unemployment and imbalance across labour markets. The free movement reduces rate of undeclared work while benefiting both the receiving and countries of origin. The review also draws our attention towards improving the employability of older workers and encouraging active ageing. Elderly, lone parents and low-work intensity households are at risk of poverty and social exclusion. Active ageing is a way forward to discourage early retirement, stimulating lifelong learning and adapt working conditions to the needs of older workers. There is an urgent need for an integrated approach to economic, employment and social policy in a context of crisis. The crisis has aggravated Europe’s structural weaknesses like income inequality. During such challenging times, fairer taxation of top incomes and wealth can be a way to mitigate inequalities.
Michael Briguglio, AD Chairperson and Spokesperson for Economy and Finance, said: “Even though Malta’s economy is doing relatively well on a macro-level, and even though Malta’s poverty, unemployment and inequality rates are amongst the lowest in the EU, we are concerned with the increase in poverty and in related aspects such as precarious employment. It is for this reason that we believe that fiscal policy should be progressive, whilst employment policy should make pay work by being inclusive to the particular needs of different vulnerable groups, including ageing workers, youth, persons with disability, immigrants and women”.
