The country report by the European Commission on Malta has shown that poverty and social exclusion are on the decline. Minister for Social Dialogue Helena Dalli and Minister for Social Solidarity Michael Farrugia have called a press conference to praise the government's achievement in the social sector highlighted in the report.

Minister Farrugia said that the report mentions a number of positive results while it also mentions issues which still need to be addressed. The Ministers praised the government's results which were achieved due to a "concrete roadmap."

"There was a time when a particular political party spoke of perception when it comes to poverty. Now, this same party feels that it needs to discredit the positive achievements," Dr Farrugia added.

According to the report, income inequality is stable.

Statistics also show that from December 2012 to December 2016, the percentage of persons on social benefits declined by almost 45%.

Minister Helena Dalli explained that although the government has invested in empowering women in employment, the state is still not receiving a good return on the investment. Commenting on local birth rate, the Minister said that the free childcare scheme is helping in the cause to have more women join in the work force. She also noted an increase in employment by women of 50 years or over.