Malta’s economic success brought along challenges in tandem, however change is brought about by recognizing the challenges and addressing them, the Prime Minister Robert Abela has said. 

Abela met the General Workers’ Union in a pre-Budget consultation meeting on Monday.

Abela said that reality is showing us that this economic success, that was so wanted, brought with it other challenges which, “we would be mistaken not to acknowledge.” He said that this is the only way to continue bringing about change: to acknowledge challenges, to admit you were wrong and then address them.

Abela said that, in connection to the 2025 Budget, a plan is being made to meet with organizations such as the General Workers’ Union so that through them, the government can carry on consultation even as it recognises the new realities of the country. He said that these realities came from the economic success the country achieved in the last few years. 

Abela also mentioned the work the government embarked upon to address these realities, some of which affect the workers and their rights, including; the historic agreement to raise the minimum wage (not just at present but also in the coming years) and the directives such as Work-Life Balance, Transparent Pay and Conditions of Predictable Work.

Abela also said how the government began to address the Maltese realities in sectors such as that of the temping agencies which is now regulated by a new law, by which every agency must be licensed to operate. He also noted how the government addressed the platform-work sector through a legal notice that regulated it and encouraged a revision in a number work markets where it was found that there is no need for more foreign workers to be brought to Malta.

Abela assured once again, that the 2025 Budget will continue to increase pensions and stabilise energy costs as well as a greatly decrease the rate of income tax of the middle class. He said that these measures are all possible due to the economic strength of the country.

Abela concluded: “There is still much to be done, but we have an ambitious work-plan that will continue pushing the country forward. I invite you to join us, because together I believe that this plan can be achieved and will be achieved ultimately, for the people.”