In its Budget 2026 proposals, the Left think-tank organisation Zminijietna, said that it is targeting low-income, the vulnerable and for more sustainable communities.”

Zminijietna appealed to the Government to raise the national minimum wage, saying that “workers are losing their purchasing power due to an increase in prices.”

The Government “should introduce the 35 hour- work week instead of 40 hours, without a reduction in wages,” it said.

Furthermore, Zminijietna insisted that TCN workers should all be protected by a mandatory union membership.

With regards to purchasing of ‘out-of-stock’ medicine within the POYC scheme, Zminijietna insisted that this should be refunded back by the state. “Due to this problem, old age and vulnerable people are being subject to payment.”

The organisation went on to say that, “affordable housing should be a right enshrined in the constitution. This will put pressure on the state to introduce progressive legislation against housing speculation. Housing co-operatives and better rent regulation towards affordability should be the way forward.”

Zminijietna stressed that “State Budgets should start focusing more towards sustainable communities. The main focus being environmental and economic sustainability, safer public spaces and sustainable urban infrastructure, social equity, and local councils that have more say.”

“Social reforms should focus more to enhance supported living for people with various health conditions and challenging behaviours,” stated Zminijietna. “Also, the Government should allocate more funding to non governmental organisations to assist people experiencing homelessness.”

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