The various social measures introduced by the Government in the Budget, targeting middle-low and low income families, pensioners and other vulnerable people in society have been welcomed by Zminijietna.

The Left think-tank organisation, in a statement on Wednesday, said it views the Government’s political will to keep on assisting families with regards to energy price stability and affordability, “as a good measure.”

However, Zminijietna criticised the fact that “part of these subsidies could be used to reward wasteful practices in fuel consumption. A viable credit fuel system could have been a better alternative on fuel consumption, both socially, economically and environmentally.”

The organisation also insisted that an underground mass metro system should remain on the national agenda.

With regards to energy use, Zminijietna said it supports the Government’s position to connect Malta energy grid with a European gas pipeline network, as this will make it possible in the near future to shift energy use to green hydrogen.

On employment, Zminijietna welcomed the decision to increase the minimum wage and to regulate recruitment and employment agencies.

Zminijietna stated that “MCESD should start discussing the idea to introduce in Malta a mandatory union policy targeting low income earners and TCNs.”

On educational measures, while the organisation applauded the numerous measures to assist students directly, it still proclaimed that the educational system is not reaching those students from a disadvantage family background. “Better wages for teachers and other educational staff should remain a priority,” the organisation said.

Zminijietna – Voice of the Left concluded by saying that the health sector should be better organised to reach out more people with disabilities, mental health issues, old age and other medical conditions.

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