ADPD has called for the government to grant the usually annual Cost of Living Allowance as early as July, rather than waiting until the Budget, as inflation continues to affect prices. 

“The government is failing to tackle head on in an immediate and effective manner the challenges being brought about by the ever-increasing prices of goods and services. As salaries remain unchanged, the purchasing power is continuously being eroded,” ADPD said in a statement on Thursday. 

According to calculations based on the increase in prices of essential commodities registered in the first five months of this year, the Cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) is projected to reach a weekly increase of €7 or €8 – this will be among the highest COLA since 1990. 

Chairperson Carmel Cacopardo said that ADPD – The Green Party has been insisting that COLA should be awarded twice a year – and what is happening and these latest calculations prove us right. This proposal had also been included in our electoral manifesto in view of the ever-increasing number of people living in poverty or on the edge of it. 

Deputy Chairperson Sandra Gauci insisted that Government and the social partners should not dilly-dally any further about this issue and should study it seriously with urgency. Who is trying to make ends meet from day-to-day cannot wait till the end of the year to be granted the COLA in arrears. 

"We call for the cost of living increase to be granted as from the 1st of July," the party said.