The Nationalist Party has expressed concern that more than 150,000 people have a low quality of life or are at risk of poverty.

"Finance Minister Clyde Caruana himself had admitted this in response to a Parliamentary Question by the Nationalist Deputy Ivan Castillo" the party said in a statement on Friday.

Caruana had acknowledged that 16,155 part-time or full-time reduced workers and 134,662 full-time employees each make less than the national average pay of €21,156 before taxes.

A study by the GWU, Movement Graffiti, and the Anti-Poverty Alliance revealed that a couple without children needs an income of €21,316, a couple with one child needs an income of €25,746 and a single parent needs an income of €20,099, which is even more concerning, the PN said.

Further studies carried out in recent months also show that the cost of living increased by 7.3% in general, as well as substantial increases in rent costs, it added.

"In fact, in certain localities, rents have even gone up to €1,600 or more per month. This increase in costs for the Maltese and Gozitans is not reflected in the increase in the wages paid to workers"

"On the contrary, Robert Abela's government is still finding funds for those close to him", the PN said, whilst adding that the government is still "swindling with direct orders, bogus consultancies and phenomenal wages".

On its part, the PN is urging the government to create good quality jobs and new niches, together with a  more fair distribution of 'public wealth' that reflect social justice.

The press statement was signed by Spokesman for a Better Standard of Living with a Commitment Against the Cost of Living Albert Buttigieg, Spokesman for Social and Affordable Housing and the Fight Against Poverty Ivan Bartolo and Spokesperson for Labour and the Maritime Sector Ivan Castillo.