Be the first to comment!2018 food prices in Malta were 12% higher than EU average – PD
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Partit Demokratiku·has stated that the steep increase in food prices is causing increasing hardship to families and low-income earners. “Eurostat data show that in 2018 food prices were 12% higher than the EU average.”
According to the PD, the National Statistics Office data show that “food prices rose by 4.07% in 12 months, while the minimum wage increased 1.33% annually in 3 years.”
Providing examples of the price increases, PD said that last year Benna butter rose from €2.10 to €2.54, large loaves by 24 cents and small loaves by 20 cents. Since 2011 the price of the milk carton rose from 72 cents to 83 cents.
The PD went on to say that in his Sunday radio “sermon” yesterday, Prime Minister Joseph Muscat said that, “people were feeling the benefits of economic growth, and that his government had created and sustained a new middle class.”
“Numbers don’t lie, the PD argued, “Surrounded by faithful and highly partisan civil servants and armies of persons of trust, with the drone of adulation drowning out the concerns of the man in the street, Joseph Muscat remains out of touch with the realities of the struggles being faced by the more vulnerable who find themselves in an increasing state of precariousness,” stated PD.
Hon Dr Godfrey Farrugia said that “clearly, government’s policies are not mitigating against the negative effects of rising food prices pushing more people towards the poverty line and lowering quality of life.”
“Moreover, less disposable income is left for people to save wisely, invest in their own and their children’s future and education leading to increasing insecurity,” he added.
“Malta’s internal market size limits potential discounts for importers when compared their larger European counterparts,”stated PRO, Marcus Lauri.
He added that, “effective and sustainable strategies to become less dependent on food imports where possible are imperative. Incentivising the agricultural sector to increase local output is crucial.”
The PD concluded by saying that the MCCAA’s remit is to advise government on such price rises. “Government must devise policies next budget- the national minimum wage raised to become a liveable wage and COLA re-adjusted to reflect today’s modern necessities.”
