Zminijietna - Voice of the Left welcomes the government's plans to have a campaign against poverty. The NGO added that to be successful, this campaign requires a social model and progressive fiscal policy.

It is positive that the Government is recognizing the real existence of poverty in Malta and that it is planning to tackle this problem. In this regard, it is essential that Malta adopts a social model to prevent poverty in the first place. For this to take place, Malta should move away from neo-liberal policies and instead ensure that Malta's welfare state is universalistic, that fiscal policy is progressive, and that social justice is mainstreamed.

Some policies which are essential to tackle poverty include having an increase in the minimum wage, having employment policies which are inclusive and against precariousness, increased investment in education and having a sustainable income-tax system which generates revenue to finance public spending. As regards the latter, we strongly appeal to the Government to revert back to the 35% income tax rate for high earners, as otherwise the State will lose revenue which is essential for public services. 

In the meantime, Zminijietna - Voice of the Left has joined forces with Malta's Anti-Poverty Alliance in the European appeal for the introduction of an unconditional basic citizen's income which guarantees a decent income for all.  A Europe-wide official petition for this purpose can be signed at http://basicincome2013.eu/

Richard Mifsud

PRO

Zminijietna - Voice of the Left