A new Nationalist Government will tackle the cost of living crisis with concrete initiatives that leave more money in the pockets of workers, pensioners, and the self-employed, the Nationalist Party said Wednesday. This contrasts with the Labour Government, which remains indifferent to the struggles of people affected by rising costs, forcing some to make tough choices about what they can and cannot afford.

At a press conference in front of Castille, Shadow Minister for the Fight Against the Cost of Living Ivan Castillo and Shadow Minister for the Interior, Security, and Reforms Darren Carabott emphasised the urgent need to address the crisis. This is why Parliament will on Thursday debate an Opposition Motion on this pressing issue, which directly affects all Maltese and Gozitan families.

They explained that the PN is urging the government to implement its proposals immediately, recognising that the cost of living crisis cannot be postponed and must be tackled urgently. The PN listens to and understands the people's hardships, which is why it has put forward several proposals to address the crisis - proposals that the Government is rejecting out of sheer stubbornness.

These proposals, aimed at increasing workers' and pensioners' incomes while reducing costs for employers, will be implemented in the first budget presented by a new Nationalist Government. They include:

The removal of income tax on any increases in wages and pensions granted due to the cost of living;

New allowances for pensioners to ensure that even those who do not pay tax benefit from a better financial income;

Tax credits for employers on every salary increase they grant to their workers.

Ivan Castillo and Darren Carabott highlighted how the government is not only ignoring the reality of the cost of living crisis but is also worsening the situation through its misguided decisions. Among these, the Shadow Ministers pointed to the rapid, unplanned population increase and its negative economic and infrastructural impact.

The consequences of these poor decisions are being felt by the people - workers on salaries, young people, those reliant on social benefits including the elderly, employers, and the self-employed. Rising prices of food, medicine, and other essential services are putting immense pressure on Maltese and Gozitan families, the PN said.

This situation is making it increasingly difficult for people to maintain their standard of living, leading to a decline in their overall quality of life. Independent studies, including those by the Malta Chamber of SMEs, confirm that small business owners are raising prices due to the increasing cost of living, the PN said.

To the contrary, the PN wants a better quality of life and standard of living for the people. Tomorrow's Motion states that:

The Government itself is contributing to the rising cost of living and price increases;

The PN wants any cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) to be tax-free so that workers and pensioners can fully benefit from it;

The PN wants SMEs and businesses to receive tax credits to offset salary increases for employees, enabling them to reinvest and create more jobs;

The PN calls for the immediate creation of a national fund to provide financial support to Maltese importers and exporters to help reduce costs driving the cost-of-living crisis;

The PN said it believes that the country's economic model should no longer be based on an uncontrolled and unplanned population increase but should instead focus on innovative economic sectors that offer better-paying jobs for Maltese and Gozitan workers.

The speakers highlighted how this Opposition Motion underscores the stark difference between the two parties. In the same week that Labour submitted a Motion to protect themselves and their associates, the PN is presenting a Motion that directly addresses the people's struggles with the cost of living.

While Labour wants to take away your right to request a Magistrate's Inquiry to shield themselves from corruption investigations, the PN said it has tabled a motion with real solutions to the cost of living crisis - solutions designed to help you address your challenges and improve your and your family's quality of life.