Muscat vows to increase pensions, dismisses PN's ‘ironic’ criticism

Prime Minister Joseph Muscat has today hit out at the Opposition’s criticism of the proposed pension scheme, arguing that it was ironic for the PN to criticise when it had left other people struggling.

Speaking on One Radio, the prime minister hit out at the opposition’s wariness on the pensions’ sustainability, and insisted that such criticism could not be taken seriously as the PN was the same party that had predicted a bailout prior to the election – only for the party to require a bailout itself.

Taking umbrage at the Opposition’s call for a faster introduction of the national minimum guaranteed pension, the Labour leader said the criticism levelled at the government was incredulous as it is “doing what other administrations failed to do.” Muscat also said that notwithstanding the economy’s positive results, the government would not be oblivious to those who are struggling, particularly pensioners, widows or single parents.

“Whereas the pension scheme was left to rot under previous administrations, the government will do what others failed to do – that of increasing pensions. The government also disagrees with the Opposition’s call for a second pillar pension scheme as this would effectively translate into an obligatory social security contribution with the private sector,” he said.

“The Opposition’s criticism of the pension scheme is quite ironic as this was the same party which left other people struggling ... The Nationalist Party said that the increase in pensions would not be enough, but this is the same party that failed to do anything and left people struggling, and the party which increased the retirement age and social security contributions.”

Turning his attention on Malta’s economic results, Muscat welcomed the recent drop in unemployment, arguing that Malta’s 5.5% jobless rate was the lowest in history, with less than 5,000 individuals registered as without work. This marks the third lowest unemployment rate in the Eurozone and the lowest rate for youth unemployment.

The Labour Leader also referred to a Eurobarometer survey from which it resulted that 81% of the Maltese feel that the economy was doing well and they were better off on a personal level. The survey also said that 84% of Maltese families feel that their financial situation is doing well.