Alternattiva Demokratika – The Green Party, said that by opposing the European Commission’s proposed increase in maternity and paternity leave, the Nationalist Government has proven that once again when it comes to family policy, it is not ready to support progressive policies.

Angele Deguara, AD spokesperson for Social Policy said, “It is a pity that once again the Government has shown that protecting the interests of the private sector is more important than protecting the rights of workers. Malta has the lowest labour market female participation rate in the EU and the lowest amount of maternity leave which is all paid by the employer. Instead of supporting measures which would give both mothers and fathers more time with their family and which encourage more women to remain in the labour market; instead of discussing ways in which the financing of parental leave can be shared or borne by the state, as happens in other countries, the Government chose to bow to business pressure to the detriment of Maltese families.”

Prof. Arnold Cassola, AD spokesperson on EU and International Affairs, stated “The opposition of most EU governments to the proposed increase in parental leave confirms the conservative dominance of current Governments in the EU. The Maltese government is, of course, always one of the first to join the bandwagon when it comes to opposing progressive proposals from the European Commission.”

Michael Briguglio, AD chairperson said, “It is very unfortunate that the Nationalist Government is not ready to go beyond rhetoric when it comes to progressive family policy. An extension of both maternity and paternity leave is essential for societies which emphasize a work-life balance. This is a key priority of the European Greens and Alternattiva Demokratika for a more inclusive and socially just social policy.”

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