Prime Minister Robert Abela has said that the government will not tamper with the Cost-of-Living Allowance (COLA), even if the amount will increase when compared to the past years.
Abela was speaking during an interview on the programme 'Sibt il-Punt' on One Radio.
The Malta Chamber of Commerce recently proposed that workers who had a salary raise this year should not receive the full cost of living allowance expected to be announced in the budget later this year.
The Prime Minister said that the COLA is a mechanism agreed upon between all the social partners, and the government will not be tampering with it even if the aid will increase when compared to other years. "The principle has always been that the mechanism reflects the agreement between all the social partners and we definitely do not want to ignore it"
Abela said that it is already time to start thinking about the upcoming budget, and that social partners have already presented their proposals for it.
The upcoming budget will again focus on the principles of responsibility, sustainability and regulation, Abela said.
"Over the past two years we have faced many challenges due to the Covid-19 pandemic, as well as recovery from the pandemic. Now, the social partners have recognized the challenges which came about due to the war in Ukraine," Abela said.
Abela said that the consultation process with unions, social partners, NGOs and entities representing employers and employees has already started and the government will consider these proposals and the requirements of different sectors.
Abela spoke about the important decisions which led to stable energy prices, calling it a crucial measure which led to Malta having the lowest inflation rate in the European Union. He said that keeping electricity and fuel prices stable means that Maltese citizens do not have to carry the burdens which citizens of other countries are.
Abela spoke about the national airline, Air Malta, and said that the country will continue to have a national airline. He said that government will commit itself to protecting workers who are no longer employed with the company.
"We must also protect the rights of those who choose to continue serving the company, as while reforms are necessary, we are not a government that places the price of that reform on the workers," he said.
Regarding security in the country, Abela said that what happened a few days ago in Hamrun is unacceptable. He said that the courts must send a clear message on the intolerability of these types of incidents.
He said that changes are being made to the police force's equipment to continue to ensure the safety of officers and ensure that everyone has the right to live in peace and serenity.
Regarding the presence of foreign communities in the country, Abela said that the country welcomes many foreigners, and the absolute majority of these foreigners live in peace with their neighbours.
"We will not hesitate, however, to speak and take action when we have cases where foreigners do not bring respect to the rest of society and become a problem for good order," he said.
Abela said that where it is legally and logistically possible, the authorities will not miss a single chance to ensure that those foreigners who break the law - and therefore are not worthy of living in the country - do not remain in the country.
"This is what we will continue to do, and we will not be afraid of criticism," he said.
Regarding irregular immigration in Malta, Abela said that it is necessary to follow and take decisions in the face of a crisis in the Mediterranean.
"While I am tough on irregular immigration, a problem which we are currently controlling, and I say this cautiously because the situation can change in the blink of an eye, I always wanted to send a clear message that this is an open and inclusive country, but in a way which respects the laws of the country," he said.