AD calls for ‘realistic’ measures to address cost of living

AD Chairperson Michael Briguglio stressed that government should update the methodology on how the cost of living is calculated. “A realistic assessment of the cost of living adjustment should be carried out in order that the yearly compensation truly reflects the rise in inflation,” Briguglio said.

He also called for the increase in minimum wage. “So far, AD is the only political party which has been calling for an increase in the minimum wage. This increase would then lead to an increase in the people’s purchasing power.”

Referring to the high utility bills, Briguglio said that unless government addresses the issue of alternative energy seriously, people will still go on paying high prices.

“There is nothing that can be done to the continuous increase in oil prices,” Briguglio said. “However, Government should give priority to alternative energy, which is ultimately the best guarantee against the rising costs of dirty energy.”

Angele Deguara, spokesperson for Social Development, said that in Malta there are more than 61,000 people who live below the poverty line. “Therefore, government should be sensitive when to these people when it establishes its economic policy,” she said.

Deguara stressed that these people have an income of less than €6,000 annually: “These figures indicate an increase in the rate of poverty when compared to those of 2008. Thousands of people are barely coping with the cost of living are suffering in order to be able to pay the utility bills.”

Deguara said that certain groups such as children, teenagers, the elderly, the long-term unemployed, lone-parent families and families with three or more children tend to be more vulnerable than others. “There are thousands who do not afford to eat meat, fish or vegetables on a regular basis, or cannot afford to warm up their home,” she said, claiming that these are things which people would normally take for granted.

“Government needs to clarify its priorities, to be more sensitive to the suffering of those who live in a state of poverty and to establish policies which address these problems in a serious manner,” Deguara concluded.

Referring to the pay rise of Ministers and Members of Parliament, Briguglio reiterated that the timing was bad and insensitive of the citizens. “Besides, given that parliament is a part-time institution, such increases are unjustified. Only a full-time parliament would deserve such increases,” he said, adding that part of the salary should be linked to their presence in parliament.