The average cost of living wage increase between 2008 and 2013 was €3.84, former Finance Minister and now PN spokesman on the subject Tonio Fenech said, and this was a time of international financial crisis.

"When the COLA was established at €1.16, as opposition Leader Joseph Muscat had organized public protests, and now he expected the people to be happy with a mere €0.58 increase per week," the PN said.

Addressing the media, Mr Fenech said that the government should come up with measures to counter this meagre increase, mentioning income tax reductions for families as one of the possibilities. He also mentioned possible measures for those with low income and those pensioners being needed.

Asked whether there should be changes to the way the COLA mechanism worked, Mr Fenech said that under the previous administration there had been talks on the matter but they had stopped when one of the social partners, the General Workers Union, walked out.

Mr Fenech argued that the government is taking money out of one pocket and feeding the other, referring to the cost of fuel, which the PN believes should be reduced, and the water and electricity bill reduction. He also said that people are not feeling any effects of the reduced water and electricity bills.

PN spokesman Stephen Spiteri said that this  €0.58 will not help families keep up with rising prices, such as those of vehicle licenses and driving lessons. He also made reference to a reduction in shop sales, indicating that the economy is not doing well.

When asked what he thought of PN MP George Pullicino and the recent allegations, PN MP Tonio Fenech said that he believes in the integrity of the former PN Minister.