Alternattiva Demokratika – The Green Party expressed its disagreement with the way Government is singling-out single mothers in its attempt to curtail its budgetary deficit.

Michael Briguglio, spokesperson for Social and Economic Development, said, "Minister Tonio Fenech should explain why he chose to pinpoint single mothers in his speech on reform in welfare benefits. Rather than attempting to score cheap political points, Fenech should consult sociological research which clearly shows that single parents are amongst the most vulnerable groups in society. Making them scapegoats for Government austerity measures, will only help increase poverty, social exclusion and social stigma."

"If the Nationalist Government wants more single mothers in employment, then it should encourage them to do so through the provision of affordable and accessible childcare centres, flexibile working hours coupled with job security, fiscal incentives, and, where possible and recommendable, making absent fathers responsible for their children," added Briguglio.

Prof Arnold Cassola, AD Chairperson, added, "The Nationalist Government under Lawrence Gonzi keeps moving towards an ultra-conservative and neo-liberal direction. Rather than devising inclusive laws towards different family forms, the Gonzi Government is totally cut off from the realities of single mothers, single fathers, same-sex couples, partners in cohabitation and people who would like to re-marry following a failed marriage. This is fuelling social exclusion and inequality."

"We agree that abuse in benefits should be tackled, and we recognise that the global economic crisis has left an impact on Government finance. But if Dr Gonzi and Minister Fenech have a problem regarding Government finances, they should also look at unsustainable electoral promises and shameful decisions such as the discount of 3.3 million Euro to Midi for waste dumped at sea."

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