Over the previous years, without a doubt one has been exposed to statistics which show a steady decline in people who were unemployed, were reliant social benefits and also those at risk of poverty.

The Malta Independent on Sunday interviewed the Minister for Social Justice, Michael Falzon, who voiced his opinions on what his ministry has done, what the plans are for the present and the direction the government is taking throughout the upcoming election.

Before the pandemic started, NGO Caritas published a comprehensive study on people who are at risk of poverty or severe material deprivation. One of the findings of the study stated was that a couple who both work minimum wage jobs and have two children would not be able to cope with the expenses thrown their way on a daily basis.

Asked for a comment on the issue Falzon stated that “it will be presumptuous for one to think that this government, let alone any government, can solve the issues once and for all. We have to be realistic and, while realising that a lot has been done in the previous years, a lot still has to be done.”

Falzon also presented statistics that show the difference nine years made in the social sector. “Nine years ago, 43,000 people were at risk of severe material deprivation while today there are around 16,000 people. This does not mean we have done enough. Each person left at risk is a worry to the state.”

“No matter how rich a country’s economy is, there will always be problems of people who are not being reached by the wealth generated by the country. I am not judging anyone, but it is our duty to help these people.”

At the end of the Caritas study, there were a number of recommendations for the social sector to be implemented. Falzon confirmed that a good number of these recommendations have been implemented in the 2022 Budget.

Another statistic from the Caritas study also shows that a substantial number of Maltese residents cannot financially cope with any unexpected expenses which they may face.

In response to this, Falzon stated that although these scenarios are a ‘what if’ situation, “we have put schemes in place in the previous budget in order to anticipate these what if situations.”

“Today we are also seeing a shift when it comes to the employment market. This helps to eradicate these what is situations with constant pay through work,” Falzon said. “Nine years ago, 4,300 people were dependent on unemployment benefit while today we are looking at 400 people. This is a 91% decrease.”

Although the number decreased, Falzon said that even if one person remains, “he or she will still require us to do our duty as their representatives.”

Another phenomenon which occurred in Malta is the immense investment taking place in numerous infrastructural projects around the island. This prompted the question as to why similar investment has not been made to tackle key issues such as poverty and social exclusion.

Falzon stated that the government is constantly working to reduce numbers, especially when it comes to people at risk of poverty. “Although people at risk of poverty are not at the final stages yet we have to be proactive to keep them out of poverty.”

“Although I agree that materialistic value in infrastructural projects may seem to get more investment, we are investing in the quality of life of people. This year we are going to invest €1.1 billion in pensions alone, there are much more benefits to account for.”

Falzon was also asked on his thoughts on shifting from a social benefit directive to an educational and upskilling one.

“Investment in our educational sector must never stop. It is a fact that an academically educated person has improved chances of getting a better paying job. However, we cannot make the mistake of forgetting vocational work and its importance to our society.”

Falzon also mentioned the importance of skilling, re-skilling and vocational skilling of various workforces. “The pandemic brought about new realities to Malta, the fact is that the only constant is change and we have to continue changing and improving every day.”

Schemes such as making work pay and improving people’s wellbeing in general also help contribute towards this ideal.

Asked on the possibility of increasing the minimum wage, Falzon stated that although the minimum wage mechanism has been agreed upon for ages, discussions have begun to find a solution to the realities of today.

“We have already started to increase the minimum wage and also introduced laws which state that after one year of working on a minimum wage, your wage increases by €3 a week.”

Falzon claimed that unemployment is no longer the top priority in Malta, “instead we now have to focus on the reward workers take home after a day’s work.”

With regard to this topic, Falzon said that “the sun didn’t start shining under a Labour government, there were other administrations who did good in this regard and we have to keep striving forward.”

Falzon said that throughout the upcoming electoral campaign, Labour will be committed to investing towards the wellbeing of people. “We are pushing for more quality of time spent with families and with regards to social benefits, our intention is clear, we are going to invest back to the people.”