PN MPs Ivan Castillo, Bernice Bonello and Graziella Attard Previ said that the Nationalist Party continues to be on the right side of history, as it is the only party which comes up with solutions for the higher cost of living for youths and families.

In a press conference on Wednesday, Castillo spoke of the “high-cost of living crisis,” and youths’ struggles in achieving a work-life balance.

He referred to the recent statistics from Youth Survey of the Eurobarometer, which said that 34% of youths feel the “plague” of the high cost of living.

Castillo said that one in three youths are telling government that this problem must be addressed immediately.

“The PN continues to be on the right side of history, as it is listening to peoples’ hurt, to address this plague,” Castillo said.

He continued that nowadays, youths struggle to buy their first home, almost to the point where the situation is impossible.

“Those youths who manage are facing another problem, that they cannot keep up with family life and work,” Castillo said.

He said that instead of addressing these problems and helping youths focus on their professions, as well as their family, government has voted against the PN’s motion with solutions for the higher cost of living.

“Undoubtedly, the PN comes out with solutions for youths, and ideas to help families and address this problem,” Castillo said.

Bonello said that in 13 years, the Labour government failed to create new economic sectors and more jobs.

She said that the Eurobarometer showed that the environment, and the creation of new jobs were two of the greatest concerns for youths.

Bonello said that this is a problem of the present, and of the future, as youths are having to either continue their education with a full time job or stop their studies and focus on work to be able to keep up with the higher cost of living.

Bonello continued that this government has failed to address youths’ concerns. She said that wages in the country remain low, yet the cost of living is increasing, leading to no work-life balance.

She continued that a large number of youths want to leave the country, and while government may deny this, it is the truth, and it is a loss for Malta now, and in the future.

Bonello said the PN has many proposals to address these issues, such as appropriate housing at lower rates for a period of time, for youths to able start their family.

Attard Previ said that the Eurobarometer confirms the need for robust proposals and measures which support youths, and not discourage them.

She said that the PN’s proposals are assurances of how the PN is prepared to take the burden of a higher cost of living off youths and families.

Attard Previ said that the Cost-of-Living-Adjustment (COLA) should not be taxed, and tax credits should be granted to SMEs to absorb some of their expenses.

The PN is also proposing a National Fund which provides financial support to importers and exporters, she said.

Attard Previ continued that the PN was also proactive on work-life balance proposals, such as extending parental, maternal and paternal leaves, and incentives for flexi-time and remote working, among others.

“It is important for youths to find support to continue enjoying a good quality of life, and find a balance between rest, family and work,” she said.

Attard Previ said that youths are building the country’s future, and they deserve every investment for today’s and the future’s modern families.

She said that the PN feels the youths’ struggles, and with its proposals, it is on the right path to addressing youths’ and societal problems.

Castillo concluded that the PN is prepared and “ahead of the curve,” continuously coming out with solutions for both the higher cost of living and work-life balance.