Prime Minister Joseph Muscat this morning said that the Labour government is working to do what the Nationalist administration always failed to do – increase pensions.

In a brief telephone call on ONE Radio this morning, Dr Muscat hit out at the Opposition for its criticism on the government’s plans to increase pensions. “The Nationalist Party claimed that the rise in pensions is not enough, but this is the same party that failed to do anything about pensions. It also argued that pension plans are not sustainable, but this is the same party who had claimed that Malta would need a bail out when the Labour is in government,”  he remarked.

He said that the government does not agree with the Opposition’s proposal to introduce second pillar pensions, because it does not want to increase the National Insurance payment.  “The government wants to increase pensions without having the employers or workers carrying the burden,” he said.

The Prime Minister noted that Malta has registered the lowest unemployment rate in history, with less than 5,000 individuals who do not have a job. This, he said, was the third lowest unemployment rate in the Eurozone and the lowest rate for youth unemployment.

He said that it is impressive that 84% of Maltese families have stated that their financial situation is good, according to a European Union study published this week. 81% said that the economy in Malta is doing well.  “Of course we can’t be oblivious to other 16% who are still struggling – mostly pensioners, widows or single parents. Such statistics are satisfying, but we need to ensure that the situation continues to improve, by continuing to strive ahead,” he said.

He noted that the government has reduced the price of gas, adding that the said that the prices of fuel and gas are no longer an issue, because the government has managed to secure a favourbale agreement with operators.