Alternattiva Demokratika – The Green Party said today that the budget should have a progressive orientation so as to meet important social, economic and environmental challenges in Malta.

Michael Briguglio, AD Chairperson said, “We are calling for a cross-party consensus for an increase in the minimum wage. This increase is essential because even though the Maltese economy is doing relatively well in terms of job creation and unemployment levels, many workers are finding it increasingly difficult to make ends meet. This can have positive economic and social effects in terms of productivity and purchasing power.

“We also believe that COLA adjustments should take place every 6 months so as to have a more realistic and timely compensation for workers. As a responsible party, we also hold that Government expenditure should be balanced through progressive taxation and other measures such as taxation of vacant properties, from the third vacant property onwards.”

Ralph Cassar, AD spokesperson for Energy, Transport and IT said, “In view of impending energy crisis and unsustainable policies in this sector, Government should give a clear sign of confidence in renewable energy by investing massively in shifts towards solar and wind energy and in schemes for solar energy which have universal access.

“The more Malta invests in renewable energy, the less dependent we will be on dirty fossil fuels which are likely to keep increasing in cost. We also hold that whilst basic energy use should be subsidized, waste should be penalized. We are also calling for increased investment in public transport and for policies geared towards sustainable use of water.”

Angele Deguara, AD spokesperson for Social Policy and Civil Rights said, “We would like a budget which seeks to reduce social inequalities and injustice. We need further measures which facilitate access to the labour market of vulnerable groups such as women with small children.

“Family-friendly measures need to be more widely available both in the public and private sector for both men and women so that both will be able to achieve a work-life balance and to actively participate in family life.

“Disability issues should be another priority in the budget. One urgent reform in this regard is the need to increase the disability pension, which currently stands at only 55 per cent of the minimum wage. Such measures not only empower people to achieve their potential but are also beneficial to the economy,” Angele Deguara concluded.

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